Reptile and amphibian response to oak regeneration treatments in productive southern Appalachian hardwood forest

摘要: Abstract Forest restoration efforts commonly employ silvicultural methods that alter light and competition to influence species composition. Changes forest structure microclimate may adversely affect some taxa (e.g., terrestrial salamanders), but positively others early successional birds). Salamanders are cited as indicators of ecosystem health because their sensitivity floor microclimate. We used drift fences with pitfall funnel traps in a replicated Before-After-Control-Impact design experimentally assess herpetofaunal community response initial application three proposed promote oak regeneration: prescribed burning; midstory herbicide; shelterwood harvests (initial treatment the shelterwood-burn method) controls, before for five years post-treatment. Species richness all herpetofauna, amphibians, reptiles, frogs, salamanders, or snakes was unaffected by any treatment, lizard increased harvest. Capture rate total salamanders decreased post-harvest units after 2–3 year delay; Plethodon teyahalee shelterwoods, also control units. In contrast, capture lizards Plestiodon fasciatus stands within first year post-harvest. Prescribed burn herbicide treatments did not reptile amphibian species. A marginally lower proportion juvenile adult P. teyahalee, higher than suggested heavy canopy removal associated change differentially reproductive success among Our study illustrates importance longer-term studies detect potential changes communities be immediately apparent disturbances, highlights including multiple balanced perspective when weighing impacts management activities.