Effects of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) grazing on the vegetation of the littoral zone of Lake Mikri Prespa

Grazing by large domestic herbivores in littoral zones is a very effective means for management of littoral vegetation. As a result, wet meadows may be restored. Such meadows constitute ideal spawning grounds for fish, function as principal feeding grounds for many waterbirds and host large concentrations of invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles. In June 1997, five water buffaloes were introduced in a fenced area of 18 ha in Lake Mikri Prespa. Cover of plant functional types was measured in line transects that crossed the vegetation zones from the higher and dryer locations of the littoral zone to the lower and wetter ones. In addition, the height and density of the common reed (Phragmites australis) was recorded in freely grazed and protected plots. Measurements were initiated at the time of water buffalo introduction in 1997 and repeated in June 1998 and September 1999. The most important effect was the reduction of the common reed at the temporarily flooded zones and the increase of the amount of litter and bare ground on the grazed area.