Sum of species

Natural grazing isn't just about cattle and horses: it encompasses all native species of large grazers. Each species has its own unique grazing behaviour and thus its own impact on the landscape. More animals can live in an area when there is mixed grazing, and their influence on the ecosystem increases with the number of species present.

During the growing season, each species focuses on its most nutritious food source. Many species focus on grass, but some have more specific needs. For example, the moose has a higher need for iron and calcium, which he finds in swamps. Cattle and horses are primarily grass-eaters: they consume large amounts of bulk food. The water buffalo can also handle bulkier food, such as summer reed, rushes and sedges. At the other end of the spectrum are browsers or ‘nibblers’ (such as roe deer), who mostly eat different parts of (woody) vegetation.

Sometimes species facilitate each other. Wild-living cattle, as ruminants, can handle thick, older grasses well. By chewing their cud, they break down the cell walls. The fresh regrowth then attracts wild-living horses. Horses are not ruminants and thus prefer fresh, young grass with less developed cell walls. By grazing the grass even shorter, horses make it suitable for small grazers like geese and rabbits. This creates a landscape with a mix of tall and short vegetation, resulting in small, but divers ecosystems that various species benefit from.

During times of scarcity, species compete for food sources. Different species of grazers search for different alternative food sources, which they manage to find in various places. Sometimes even in parts of an area they wouldn’t typically visit. Food sources during harsh times include leftover grasses and herbs, branches, buds, and even tree bark. This way, each species manages to find its own alternative food source. The different grazing methods combined with a varied diet, increase the impact of large herbivores on the landscape. Consequently, the total number of different animals can also increases.