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Study finds Dartmoor ponies support biodiversity through grazing
Overview
A new photographic study has revealed that Dartmoor ponies support biodiversity and increase habitat diversity on moorland through their unique "mosaic" grazing patterns. By repeatedly returning to the same areas, the ponies prevent the growth of restrictive grass species like Molinia and allow other plants, such as heather, to establish.
Key points
- Dartmoor ponies have been grazing at Bellever since 2008 and thrive on rough terrain by eating vegetation other livestock avoid.
- Their repeated grazing creates visible mosaic-like patterns that cut through the grass and change structural landscape features.
- The study recorded plants in grazed areas as 79% healthy, compared to about 43% in ungrazed sites.
- Photographer Malcolm Snelgrove noted that the findings have global relevance for discussions on biodiversity, land management and grazing pressure.