Effects of prescribed fire on the herpetofauna of a southern Mississippi pine savanna
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Published source details
Langford G.J., Borden J.A., Major C.S. & Nelson D.H. (2007) Effects of prescribed fire on the herpetofauna of a southern Mississippi pine savanna. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 2, 135-143.
Published source details Langford G.J., Borden J.A., Major C.S. & Nelson D.H. (2007) Effects of prescribed fire on the herpetofauna of a southern Mississippi pine savanna. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 2, 135-143.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use prescribed burning: Forest, open woodland & savanna Action Link |
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Use prescribed fire or modifications to burning regime in forests Action Link |
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Use prescribed burning: Forest, open woodland & savanna
A replicated, controlled study in 2003–2004 of pine savanna in Mississippi, USA (Langford et al. 2007) found that after prescribed burning reptile abundances tended to be higher, but species richness was similar compared to unburned sites. Results were not statistically tested. In burned sites, 1.3 individuals/transect and 5.0 species/site were captured, compared to 0.9 individuals/transect and 5.3 species/site in unburned sites. A low intensity burn was undertaken over a large proportion of a National Wildlife Refuge in March 2003. From January to June 2004, reptiles were monitored at three burned and three unburned sites. Visual encounter surveys (200 m transects), minnow traps (six/site) and PVC tubes (five/site) were used.
(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, Katie Sainsbury)
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Use prescribed fire or modifications to burning regime in forests
A replicated, controlled study in 2003–2004 of pine savanna in Mississippi, USA (Langford et al. 2007) found that prescribed burning resulted in a greater abundance but similar diversity of amphibians compared to unburned sites. Greater numbers of amphibians were found at burned than unburned sites (275 vs 90). However, species diversity was similar (burned: 13; unburned: 10). Some species were significantly more abundant in burned compared to unburned areas including oak toads Bufo quercicus (125 vs 9) and southern leopard frogs Rana utricularia (51 vs 2). In comparison, a small number of species were more common in unburned sites including the pig frog Rana grylio (13 vs 2). A low intensity burn was undertaken over a large proportion of a National Wildlife Refuge in 2003. From January to June 2004, amphibians were monitored at three burned and three unburned sites. Visual encounter surveys (200 m transects), minnow traps (six/site) and PVC tubes (five/site) were used.
