Long-term cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) control increases shrub leader growth and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) visitation

•Invasive annual grasses like cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) are widespread and abundant in western North America, where they compete with native plants that are important components of wildlife habitat.•Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are an important wildlife species that typically rely on woody...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inRangelands
Main Authors Courkamp, Jacob S., Sebastian, James R., Swanson, Joseph K.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Inc 01.08.2025
Subjects
Bromus tectorum
cheatgrass
herbicide
indaziflam
mule deer
Odocoileus hemionus
herbicide
Odocoileus hemionus
cheatgrass
mule deer
indaziflam
Bromus tectorum
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Summary:•Invasive annual grasses like cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) are widespread and abundant in western North America, where they compete with native plants that are important components of wildlife habitat.•Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are an important wildlife species that typically rely on woody shrubs for forage during winter months.•Competition from cheatgrass may limit shrub growth and reduce winter forage availability for mule deer, with potential negative effects on mule deer survival and population growth. Thus, effective cheatgrass management may reduce competition and increase winter forage availability for mule deer.•Herbicide application to control cheatgrass increased shrub leader growth, and data collected with camera traps suggest mule deer may preferentially use herbicide-treated areas during winter.•A wide variety of complex and interacting factors influence mule deer habitat use. Our project represents an important first step, but additional research is necessary to more fully investigate the benefits of effective cheatgrass management for mule deer and other important wildlife species.
ISSN:0190-0528
DOI:10.1016/j.rala.2025.07.001