Cattle grazing in alpine Australia. Where, When and Why?

Abstract

Grazing of cattle in the high country of south-eastern Australia during summer and early-autumn has historically played an important role in allowing resting of pastures in lower lying regions. There are, however, remarkably few sound scientific studies undertaken to determine how cattle graze in these areas and thus where their impact may be greatest. The aim of this study was to determine the grazing patterns of a commercial beef herd grazing in the high country using GPS enabled collars. The study was undertaken a 500 ha privately owned property that borders Kosciuzko NP in southern NSW. The property varies in altitude from ca. 1450-1750 m and contains a mix of alpine grasslands and wooded (predominantly snow gums) vegetation. While not directly associated with this study, the property also encompasses the HighFire project, a long-term fully replicated fire x grazing interaction study being undertaken in these same vegetation communities.