Influence of grazing on sand field vegetation in the Negev Desert

The effects on vegetation structure and composition from differing grazing intensities by flocks of Beduin sheep and goats were studied in the sandy regions of the Northern Negev Desert. Vascular plant community composition, as measured by detrended correspondence analysis, was significantly changed by grazing, as well as by differences in soil texture. Annual plant species richness and grass species richness increased with grazing pressure, but not with changes in soil texture. Total vascular plant species richness seemed highest at intermediate levels of grazing intensity, but showed no significant trends of change with either grazing intensity or soil texture. Species equitability showed no significant trends.