Indices of Wildlife Presence on Terracettes of North Versus South Facing Slopes

Abstract

Terracettes are naturally occurring step-like features often observed on grassland hillslopes greater than 30 degrees. They run parallel to contour lines and are generally about a meter or less in width. The origin and mechanism of formation of terracettes is controversial. Some researchers have argued they are caused by cattle or wildlife, while others argue natural slope processes are responsible. Some studies have explored the spatial relationship between terracette occurrence and geographic factors such as slope, aspect, and substrate. Ground-based studies addressing their formation are sparse. This study seeks to examine terracettes on north versus south facing slopes to determine if, and to what extent, wildlife are present and utilizing terracettes. We used a previously established study site in the North Hills of Helena where an east-west oriented gully creates generally equal and opposite, north- and south-facing slopes. We selected individual terracettes at similar elevation on opposite facing slopes, where other factors appear equal (soil, bedrock, vegetation). We used indices of wildlife presence to assess wildlife use of terracettes. Our methods included weekly observations of tracks and scat in soil and snow over eight weeks in spring of 2026. We also installed camera traps on individual terracettes on both slopes to capture wildlife use. We expect to find evidence of higher wildlife use on the north-facing slope.