08/24/2026
Disturbances can shape plant communities long after the initial event. Although the persistence and scale of these effects remain complex, many instances can conflict with restoration efforts. In a study, Annie Meeder et al examined Santa Cruz Island, California, as a compelling case study in the legacy effects of disturbances. Santa Cruz Island has been subject to a century of intensive grazing by non-native cattle, feral sheep, and rooting by feral pigs, followed by large-scale eradication and fire management interventions.
In their study, they resurveyed 40 permanent grassland plots in southwestern Santa Cruz Island that were previously sampled in the 1990s, during the height of pig activity. Their results suggest that while pig disturbance had acute short-term effects, the most enduring legacy may be the non-native-dominated communities that became established in the late 19th century.
If interested in reading more use link below:
https://doi.org/10.3120/0024-9637-260008
