Prescribed Fire Impacts to Amphibians and Reptiles in Shelterwood-harvested Oak-dominated Forests

摘要: As part of a larger study examining the role prescribed fire in regenerating upland oaks (Quercus spp.), seasonal burns (winter, spring, summer, and unburned control) were applied to first-stage shelterwood-harvested stands on Horsepen Wildlife Management Area Virginia Piedmont 1995. Because impacts are poorly documented for herpetofaunal communities, we surveyed these 1996 capturing 133 individuals ten species during over 12,720 pitfall trapnights. We found no significant differences relative abundance Eastern Red-backed Salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) (P = 0.26), American Toads (Bufo americanus 0.93), or all amphibians combined 0.25) among shelterwood those treated with winter, summer burns. Three reptiles (Northern Fence Lizard [Sceloporus undulatus], Ground Skink [Scincella lateralis], Southeastern Five-lined [Eumeces inexpectatus]) captured more frequently burned versus 0.02). Based stepwise multiple regression model, Salamander captures strongly influenced by landscape variables 0.0320), including distance permanent water mesic (i.e., eastern-northern) aspects, than treatments 0.26). Similar models not < 0.05) toads reptiles. results, may be detrimental communities oak dominated forests Piedmont.