Effect of ecological factors on the grass dynamics at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India

Grass dynamics play a major role in the density and diversity of grazing mammals. To understand drivers grass quality quantity, we assessed height, cover, soft-texture, green leaves, reproductive phase species relation to 13 ecological covariates belonging climate, vegetation, human disturbance, wild herbivores at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India during November 2018─September 2020. From 1,024 quadrates, recorded 22 10 sedges. The parameters varied significantly among habitats between seasons. height cover were more open scrub, while soft-textured grasses grasslands. All except stage highest wet season. general linear model (GLM) based analysis on covariate effect quantity demonstrated that compared, Prosopis, an alien invasive species, is driver, with negative influence both quantity; quality; soft-texture greenness grass. feral horse, invasive, negatively influenced height. Earlier studies have also shown devastating effects these exotics native flora fauna Calimere, measures suggested by are recommended safeguard natural communities area.