Tierberg Plant Demography

Changes in demography of different plants are being tracked since 1988 after the removal of livestock (Tierberg), continued moderate grazing (Sand River), historical overgrazing (Argentina). Three commonly occurring shrub species are monitored: one highly palatable (Osteospermum sinuatum), one moderately palatable (Pteronia empetrifolia), and one unpalatable (Pteronia pallens). Ongoing periodic monitoring appears to indicate that grazing history strongly influences seedling establishment and consequently plant community composition.