population dynamics. Reproduction in desert animals has been documented to be highly correlated to abundance of food sources, as previously discussed. If food sources are available, animal populations which were formerly removed from sites due to intensive construction activities would be expected to return due to moderated microclimatic conditions under the collectors. These animal numbers could be significantly greater than what was originally there, assuming greater plant production and thus standing biomass. Such potential system imbalances (ERDA 1977a) would probably not be ecologically destructive, and may be of value in regulating standing vegetation biomass, which could become a problem to normal heliostat or collector operation and maintenance. Exclusion of animal migration by fences would result in an increased standing crop of weeds, possibly requiring application of herbicides over large tracts of desert land.
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