Livestock grazing affects insect populations in the Himalayan

Domestic herbivores are increasingly being replaced by wild herbivores in ecosystems around the world, leading to insidious changes in soil properties and vegetation patterns. A long-term study conducted in the Spiti Valley of the Himalayas shows that this substitution dramatically affects the number of arthropods living in spider-like ground, and the number of mites and mites that can spread vector-borne diseases. It shows that it can dramatically affect the

This study found that spider populations were significantly reduced in areas grazing by livestock, and many declines in the number of grasshoppers and disease carriers, such as mites and mites.

“Spiders are predators. Their ecological roles are similar to wolves, lions and tigers. The abundant spiders release grasshoppers from predator control, leading to many downstream changes in the ecosystem. “Associate professor at the Centre for Ecology Science (CES), Indian Institute of Science (IISC), and author of the published research, says Sumantabaguchi. Ecological Applications.

Bagchi and his team have been studying the effectiveness of raising wild herbivores like Yaks and Ibex on livestock such as cattle and sheep in Spiti Valley for over 15 years. “Wild herbivores were once ubiquitous on Earth. Now they are restricted to several parks and reserves. Everywhere else, domesticated animals dominate.” Baguch added.

In the current study, the team has more than 25,000 different taxa, spanning 88 different taxa, including spiders, mites, bees, bees and grasshoppers, in fenced plots grazing separately by domestic and wild herbivores. The presence of arthropods was tracked. They also analyzed vegetation biomass and soil conditions such as moisture and pH.

“The biological and abiotic variables of vegetation and soil are intertwined in a complex way that we still unravel. Arthropods have developed over the centuries with the native ecosystem lasers. It relies heavily on the association’s food and home.” CES students and co-authors. Replacing native glasers with livestock can disrupt this connection.

The team found that several arthropod numbers, particularly spiders, mites and mites, are strongly linked to the animals grazing on the land. Spider populations decreased under livestock grazing, but mites and mites populations increased significantly. The cause of dropping spider populations is not exactly clear, but researchers suggest that this may be due to a reduced change in spider food sources and plant types in the region.

“One of the most surprising observations was the huge difference in mites and mites abundance between native bluser lasers and livestock,” said former Ph.D. CES student and co-author. According to the authors, it is estimated that more than 80% of cows worldwide have mites that pose a threat to both animal and human health. “This is a huge concern for zoonotic diseases and one health,” adds Baidia.

To counter the consequences of these changes in arthropod counts, researchers “reconstruct” native herbivores that have improved surveillance of risk of vector-borne disease in areas where animals and humans coexist It suggests that measures need to be taken. The findings also highlight the need for effective conservation policies in areas where large livestock grazing is taking place.

“Most commons are now fairly mismanaged, allowing villagers to use these commons unsustainable for their livelihoods, and in the process denying local herbivore grazing land. You can do it,” says Baidya. “Our research is an example of a possible tweaking government to first release the Commons and then take serious measures to begin proper ecological recovery of these lands. I hope that is.”