Roadside connectivity does not increase reptile abundance or richness in a fragmented mallee landscape

Published source details Williams J.R., Driscoll D.A. & Bull C.M. (2012) Roadside connectivity does not increase reptile abundance or richness in a fragmented mallee landscape. Austral Ecology, 37, 383-391.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Protect habitat: All reptiles (excluding sea turtles) Action Link

Protect habitat: All reptiles (excluding sea turtles)

A replicated, site comparison study in 2007–2008 in two areas of mallee woodland in South Australia, Australia (Williams et al. 2012) found that reptile species richness and abundance was higher in conservation parks than in adjacent farmland. Reptile species richness and abundance were both higher within conservation parks (7 species/site; 18 individuals/site) than in adjacent farmland (4 species/site; 11 individuals/site), and on farmland, both richness and abundance declined with increasing distance from the conservation parks (results reported as statistical model outputs, see original paper for details and individual species abundances). In total, 431 reptiles of 31 species were counted. Reptiles were surveyed in mallee woodland (Melaleuca uncinata and Eucalyptus spp.) in two areas in the Eyre Peninsula in December 2007 and January–February 2008. Three replicated sampling blocks were surveyed/area and each block contained two sampling sites within the conservation park (50–750 m from the park boundary) and three sites in adjacent farmland (in remnant habitat in sand dunes or roadside verges, 7–12 km from the park boundary). Reptiles were sampled using 10 pitfall traps and drift fences spaced 25 m apart along a 225 m linear transect in each sampling site. Traps were open for six consecutive 24 hour periods/month.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson)