Rotational grazing supports coexistence of the endangered pygmy bluetongue and livestock on a productive agricultural property

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1. Agricultural grasslands have the potential to complement conservation initiatives whilst maintaining productivity. A shift from set-stock continuous grazing to rotational grazing has the capacity to improve ecosystem function to support both biodiversity and livestock production.

2. Using a “before” and “after” comparative design, we assessed the responses of endangered pygmy bluetongue lizards and vegetation structure to set-stock, rotational, and grazing exclusion on a landscape-scale. To implement our design, we erected new fence lines to divide an existing set-stock paddock to become rotationally grazed while the landowner managed stock levels conducive to productivity.

3. We found vegetation cover increased in grazing exclusion and experimental grazing areas and lizards responded positively to this increase.

4. The implementation of rotational grazing was beneficial for lizards. The increase in vegetation cover will likely also be conducive for livestock productivity. Our study demonstrates there are potential mutual benefits, economically and ecologically, for landowners and conservationists to implement rotational grazing.