Does size really matter? The effects of herbivore body size on ecosystem processes

This project is aimed at investigating trophic cascades originating from the successive exclusion of herbivores of various sizes from subalpine grasslands of the Swiss National Park (SNP). Historical grazing patterns in the SNP have developed two distinct vegetation types – heavily grazed short grass vegetation and lightly grazed tall grass vegetation – derived from former land use which differ in vegetation quality, community composition and usage by herbivores. This poster presents some of the methods we use to study how herbivore exclusion affects ecosystem properties and processes.