Presence and density of wildlife functional groups on rangeland

Framework / Assessment
Summary

This indicator measures both presence and density of representative species within functional groups of wildlife and within ecoregions or physiographic regions. Examples of functional groups for purposes of measuring this indicator may be: large herbivores, small herbivores, large predators, small predators, avian foragers, avian predators, burrowing reptiles, surface reptiles, insect grazers, amphibians, fish, and pollinators. Rangeland ecosystems provide all or a critical portion of many wildlife species annual habitat requirements. Habitat components include mating components, rearing young components, forage or food components, and resting components. Depending on the species, these may or may not be available or required in the same space. Grazing practices can impact the presence and well-being of wildlife functional groups.