title: Modelling the effects of water-point closure and fencing removal: a GIS approach.
abstract: Artificial water-points in the form of troughs or ground tanks are used to augment natural water supplies within rangelands in many parts of the world. Access to such water-points leads to the development of a distinct ecological sub-system, the piosphere, where trampling and grazing impact modify the vegetation. This study aims to consolidate existing information in a GIS based model to investigate grazing patterns within the landscape. The model focuses on the closure of water-points and removal of fences on Nanya Station, New South Wales, Australia. We found that the manipulation of water-points and fences in one management intervention may change grazing activity in a way different to that which would be experienced if each had been modified separately. Such effects are further modified by the spatial distribution of the water-points and the underlying vegetation.
authors.affiliation: Multidisciplinary Research Centre, University of Namibia, P/Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia. fpgraz@gmail.com
authors.forename: F Patrick
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Graz
authors.forename: Martin E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Westbrooke
authors.forename: Singarayer K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Florentine
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D009517:New South Wales; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water