The impacts of ski resorts on reptiles: a natural experiment

Abstract

Alpine-subalpine areas are sensitive environments that support large numbers of endemic species. They are also popular for human recreation. Increasing demands for tourism means that infrastructure in alpine resorts is expanding. Consequently, habitat is being modified and fragmented, potentially adversely affecting fauna. However, research investigating the effects of ski resorts on wildlife, particularly reptiles, is limited, and the effectiveness of management strategies in mitigating adverse impacts is unknown. To quantify the effects of ski-related disturbances on specialist and generalist reptile species, we surveyed sites in disturbed and undisturbed subalpine habitats. We also examined vegetation composition and habitat structure to determine whether structural or compositional habitat features were driving patterns of reptile occurrence. Our results indicate that the effects of ski-related disturbance varied between species, but that adverse effects -particularly on ski runs -were more pronounced for specialists. Given that each species studied was positively associated with compositional or structural features of the environment, we argue that alterations to these habitat attributes when creating ski runs will suppress lizard abundances in these areas. However, while ski runs have an adverse effect on reptiles, the persistence of these animals in ski resorts can be facilitated by retaining habitat structure and minimizing disturbance to native vegetation.

Managing ski resorts to improve biodiversity conservation: Australian reptiles as a case study

“…Southern Grass Skink, Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii ) appear more resilient to disturbance, occurring frequently in disturbed heathlands and woodlands (Sato et al . ). All lizard species tend to avoid ski runs dominated by exotic grasses. The Alpine She‐Oak Skink, Guthega Skink, Tussock Skink and Southern Grass Skink prefer more structurally complex habitats, such as heathlands, woodlands and undisturbed native grasslands (Sato et al .…”

“…The Alpine She‐Oak Skink, Guthega Skink, Tussock Skink and Southern Grass Skink prefer more structurally complex habitats, such as heathlands, woodlands and undisturbed native grasslands (Sato et al . ). Lizards use patches of remnant vegetation retained on or between ski runs (Sato et al . ; Sato et al ., in review, 2014). The size of a remnant patch of native vegetation does not influence lizard density, whereas the proximity of patches to continuous forest does.…”

“…). Lizards use patches of remnant vegetation retained on or between ski runs (Sato et al . ; Sato et al ., in review, 2014). The size of a remnant patch of native vegetation does not influence lizard density, whereas the proximity of patches to continuous forest does. Patches close to continuous forest (<20 m) support higher densities of lizards than patches far from (>30 m) continuous forest (Sato et al .…”

“…Relationships obtained from Sato et al . (). Associated alpine/subalpine formations obtained from Costin et al .…”

“…In subalpine areas, Sato et al . () found that lizard abundance was related to one or more native plant species associated with distinctive Australian alpine/subalpine vegetation formations (Table ). No lizard species was positively associated with exotic plants (Table ).…”