What types of livestock are most effective for managing invasive plants on the island?

Effective management of invasive plants on islands often relies on carefully selected types of livestock that can graze selectively and help control unwanted vegetation without harming native species or delicate ecosystems. Goats are widely regarded as one of the most effective livestock for this purpose. Their broad and varied diet allows them to consume a large variety of invasive shrubs and weeds that might otherwise dominate the landscape. Goats are particularly useful in breaking down dense thickets, as they are agile browsers that can reach plants other animals might not access. They also tend to prefer invasive species over some native plants, making them a strategic choice for invasive plant control.

Sheep also play a valuable role in invasive plant management, especially in controlling grass and low-lying herbaceous invasive plants. Unlike goats, sheep mainly graze on grasses and prefer shorter vegetation. This grazing helps reduce the seed bank of invasive grasses, thereby limiting their spread. Sheep can complement goats by targeting a different set of plants, thus offering a more comprehensive grazing strategy. Additionally, sheep tend to have a less aggressive browsing style than goats, making them suitable in areas where a balance is needed between vegetation control and preservation of native plants.

In some cases, cattle may also be introduced as part of an integrated management plan, particularly when dealing with perennial invasive grasses. Heavy grazing from cattle can physically trample and suppress invasive stands, which helps prevent seed dispersal and regrowth. However, cattle are less selective grazers compared to goats and sheep, which means their use requires more careful management to avoid overgrazing of native species. Combining these types of livestock strategically allows island managers to tailor grazing pressure and target specific invasive plant species, making livestock a cost-effective, sustainable method for controlling invasive vegetation while promoting the recovery of native habitats.