Evaluating Domestic Herbivores for Vegetation Structure Management in Transitional Woodland - Shrubland Systems

Mediterranean landscapes are shaped by natural disturbances such as herbivory and fire that regulate vegetation structure and fuel loads. As a result of the cessation of traditional agricultural practices, land abandonment is a widespread phenomenon in these landscapes, leading to shrub encroachment and heightened fire hazard. This study reports the effects of grazing by domestic herbivores on vegetation structure in transitional woodland–shrubland systems across three case study areas in Portugal. The effects of low and moderate grazing intensity by cattle and horses on vegetation structure were assessed on three vegetation strata—canopy, shrubs, and grasses—using indicators to evaluate the influence of grazing on both horizontal and vertical vegetation structure. Moderate grazing shaped vertical vegetation structure by reducing shrub and grass height and by browsing and thinning the lower branches, creating a discontinuity between understorey and canopy layers. These effects on vertical fuel continuity are anticipated to limit the upward spread of flames and reduce the potential for crown fires. In contrast, low-intensity grazing showed limited effects on both vertical and horizontal vegetation structure. This work highlights the potential of using domestic herbivores as a tool to manage vegetation structure and its contribution to mitigating local wildfire hazards.