Regents Professor, Groendyke Chair in Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma State University

Fire and Grazing for Conservation on Contemporary Grasslands, Shrublands and Savannas

Historically, grassland, shrublands and woodlands developed with fire and herbivory. Over the century or more we have suppressed fires and dramatically altered grazing as well as introduced many novel disturbances such as cropland and energy development. Many aspects of conservation are dependent upon understand these from a socio-ecological perspective. The re-introduction of fire on these landscapes has potential to enhance biodiversity and conservation while maintaining agricultural productivity on these system. Understanding the interactive pattern of fire and grazing is critical for conservation in the future.