Forest-fire regimes affect thermoregulatory opportunities for terrestrial ectotherms

摘要: Fire-induced changes in canopy openness may affect sunlight penetration to the forest floor, and thus operative temperatures available terrestrial ectotherms. We examined thermal regimes for two types of ectotherms: diurnally active species that utilize sun-exposed patches regulate their body temperatures, nocturnally depend upon solar radiation striking rocks under which they shelter. measured openness, shrub height, transmission environmental open inside reptile retreat-sites, at 24 study sites eucalypt forests regions (Gosford Yengo) south-eastern Australia. All were last burnt 2000–2001, but had experienced different fire frequencies (1–4 fires over previous 37 years). In Gosford, higher reduced ground level, quality habitats. Our modelling based on preferenda an endangered snake (the broad-headed Hoplocephalus bungaroides) suggests increased frequency Gosford halved amount time animal could spend within its preferred (set-point) range, regardless whether it thermoregulated beneath or basked out open. At Yengo, however, did not Thus, effects structure environment level differed between adjacent areas, relatively small translated into major thermoregulatory opportunities reptiles. Although is a useful management tool creating habitats, we need understand more about vegetation before can use manage habitats