Effects of goat grazing on maquis-type shrublands

The majority of Mediterranean shrublands are typical evergreen sclerophyllous shrub ecosystems, known as maquis. These areas are characterized by low wood productivity, but they play a significant role in terms of biodiversity, land conservation and protection from erosion, while undoubtedly provide forage to domestic animals, especially goats. The effect of three different grazing intensities on shrubland productivity, shrub cover, and species diversity was explored in a typical maquis shrubland of northern Greece. It was found that the total shrubland production, live shrub cover and shrub richness were significantly decreased with grazing, while under moderate grazing intensity, the annual shrub production attained its maximal value.