| Virginia
Journal of Science.
2004. Vol 55 (4) : 159-168 |
| Prescribed
Fire Impacts to Amphibians and Reptiles in Shelterwood-harvested
Oak-dominated Forests Patrick D. Keyser, MeadWestvaco Forestry Division, Box 577, Rupert, WV 25984, David J. Sausville, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, 966 VT Route 17 West, Addison, VT 05491, W. Mark Ford, USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, Box 404, Parsons, WV 26287, Donald J. Schwab, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 5806 Moorestown Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188, Patrick H. Brose, USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, Box 267, Irvine, PA 16329-0267 ABSTRACT
As part of a larger study examining the role of prescribed fire in
regenerating upland oaks (Quercus
spp.), seasonal prescribed burns (winter, spring, summer, and unburned
control) were applied to first-stage shelterwood-harvested stands on
Horsepen Wildlife Management Area in the Virginia Piedmont in
1995. Because fire impacts are poorly documented for
herpetofaunal communities, we surveyed these stands in 1996 capturing
133 individuals of ten species during over 12,720 pitfall
trapnights. We found no significant differences in relative
abundance of Eastern Red-backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) (P = 0.26),
American Toads (Bufo americanus)
(P = 0.93), or all amphibians combined (P = 0.25) among unburned
shelterwood stands and those treated with winter, spring, or summer
burns. Three species of reptiles (Northern Fence Lizard [Sceloporus undulatus], Ground Skink
[Scincella lateralis], and
Southeastern Five-lined Skink [Eumeces
inexpectatus]) combined were captured more frequently in burned
versus unburned stands (P = 0.02). Based on a stepwise multiple
regression model, Eastern Red-backed Salamander captures were more
strongly influenced by landscape variables (P = 0.0320), including
distance to permanent water and mesic (i.e., eastern-northern) aspects,
than by fire treatments (P = 0.26). Similar landscape models were
not significant (P < 0.05) for toads or reptiles. Based on
these results, prescribed fire may not be detrimental to herpetofaunal
communities in oak dominated forests in the Virginia Piedmont. |