ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC LIVESTOCK GRAZING AS A DETERMINING FACTOR IN THE ECOLOGY OF THE PANTANOS DE VILLA GRASSLANDS, PERU

Goñi-Vega G.; Anaya V.; Perea M.; Torre-Cuadros M.Á.L. · Ecologia Aplicada (2025) · DOI: 10.21704/rea.v24i2.2385

Resumen

Domestic livestock grazing is a significant disturbance in coastal wetlands, affecting the structure, diversity, and ecological functioning of plant communities. This study assessed its impact on the grasslands of the Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge (Lima, Peru), comparing a grazed zone (ZC) and a grazing-restricted zone (ZR) over six weeks of intensive monitoring. Non-destructive and destructive sampling methods were used to measure vegetation cover, height, aboveground biomass, carbon content, and floristic diversity, supported by non-parametric statistical analyses. ZR exhibited higher vegetation cover (81.16%), average height (25.47 cm), dry aboveground biomass (1.26 t·ha⁻¹), and stored carbon (0.63 t C·ha⁻¹) than ZC (41.09%, 20.57 cm, 1.16 t·ha⁻¹, and 0.47 t C·ha⁻¹, respectively). Although ZC showed greater species richness (7 vs. 3), ZR maintained higher evenness and temporal stability. Floristic composition also differed: Paspalum vaginatum dominated ZC, while Schoenoplectus americanus, Distichlis spicata, and Sporobolus virginicus prevailed in ZR. These findings demonstrate that grazing reduces the capacity of grasslands to sustain key ecological functions such as carbon sequestration and habitat provision. Adaptive management strategies, including temporary livestock exclusion and participatory monitoring programs, are recommended to preserve the ecological integrity of coastal wetlands. © Departamento Académico de Biología, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima – Perú.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina; Universidad Científica del Sur; Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa