Tropical reptiles in pine forests: Assemblage responses to plantations and plantation management by burning

Mott, Beth; Alford, Ross A.; Schwarzkopf, Lin

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2009.11.031

Cited by 24 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 64 publications

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“…Low weedy vegetation provided cover for reptile species and was more important than vegetation composition in determining terrestrial reptile assemblages. Mott et al (2010) observed that burning under pine plantations in tropical northern Australia was associated with increased species richness and abundance of reptiles when compared with unburnt pine forests. Operative environmental temperatures and radiant energy were similar in burnt and unburnt pine.…”

Section: Conceptual Framework and Mechanisms Of Impactmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Pine plantations were cooler and received less radiant energy than native forests. Reptile assemblages in these pine plantations comprised mostly closed‐canopy rainforest species that prefer cooler, shadier habitats in contrast to surrounding native vegetation, which supported open woodland species (Mott, Alford & Schwarzkopf, 2010). The long‐term decline of the natterjack toad ( Epidalea calamita ) in heathland areas of Britain (Beebee, 1977) was related to overgrowth by pine ( Pinus spp.…”

Section: Conceptual Framework and Mechanisms Of Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A predictive framework and review of the ecological impacts of exotic plant invasions on reptiles and amphibians

Martin

Murray

2011

Biological Reviews

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The invasive spread of exotic plants in native vegetation can pose serious threats to native faunal assemblages. This is of particular concern for reptiles and amphibians because they form a significant component of the world's vertebrate fauna, play a pivotal role in ecosystem functioning and are often neglected in biodiversity research. A framework to predict how exotic plant invasion will affect reptile and amphibian assemblages is imperative for conservation, management and the identification of research priorities. Here, we present a new predictive framework that integrates three mechanistic models. These models are based on exotic plant invasion altering: (1) habitat structure; (2) herbivory and predator-prey interactions; (3) the reproductive success of reptile and amphibian species and assemblages. We present a series of testable predictions from these models that arise from the interplay over time among three exotic plant traits (growth form, area of coverage, taxonomic distinctiveness) and six traits of reptiles and amphibians (body size, lifespan, home range size, habitat specialisation, diet, reproductive strategy). A literature review provided robust empirical evidence of exotic plant impacts on reptiles and amphibians from each of the three model mechanisms. Evidence relating to the role of body size and diet was less clear-cut, indicating the need for further research. The literature provided limited empirical support for many of the other model predictions. This was not, however, because findings contradicted our model predictions but because research in this area is sparse. In particular, the small number of studies specifically examining the effects of exotic plants on amphibians highlights the pressing need for quantitative research in this area. There is enormous scope for detailed empirical investigation of interactions between exotic plants and reptile and amphibian species and assemblages. The framework presented here and further testing of predictions will provide a basis for informing and prioritising environmental management and exotic plant control efforts.

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Section: Conceptual Framework and Mechanisms Of Impactmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Conceptual Framework and Mechanisms Of Impactmentioning

confidence: 99%

A predictive framework and review of the ecological impacts of exotic plant invasions on reptiles and amphibians

Martin

Murray

2011

Biological Reviews

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“…Responses to invasive plants have varied with habitat associations for many taxa, including small mammals (Litt and Steidl ), birds (Rogers and Chown ), insects (Steenkamp and Chown ), and amphibians (Mott et al. ). Microhabitats in nonnative pine plantations in Australia, for example, are cooler and moister than in native forests due to a planting pattern that creates a closed canopy (Mott et al.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Microhabitats in nonnative pine plantations in Australia, for example, are cooler and moister than in native forests due to a planting pattern that creates a closed canopy (Mott et al. ). Community composition of reptiles shifted accordingly from open woodland species to closed‐canopy species adapted to cooler microhabitats.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Species’ traits help predict small mammal responses to habitat homogenization by an invasive grass

Ceradini

Chalfoun

2017

Ecological Applications

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Invasive plants can negatively affect native species, however, the strength, direction, and shape of responses may vary depending on the type of habitat alteration and the natural history of native species. To prioritize conservation of vulnerable species, it is therefore critical to effectively predict species' responses to invasive plants, which may be facilitated by a framework based on species' traits. We studied the population and community responses of small mammals and changes in habitat heterogeneity across a gradient of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) cover, a widespread invasive plant in North America. We live-trapped small mammals over two summers and assessed the effect of cheatgrass on native small mammal abundance, richness, and species-specific and trait-based occupancy, while accounting for detection probability and other key habitat elements. Abundance was only estimated for the most common species, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). All species were pooled for the trait-based occupancy analysis to quantify the ability of small mammal traits (habitat association, mode of locomotion, and diet) to predict responses to cheatgrass invasion. Habitat heterogeneity decreased with cheatgrass cover. Deer mouse abundance increased marginally with cheatgrass. Species richness did not vary with cheatgrass, however, pocket mouse (Perognathus spp.) and harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys spp.) occupancy tended to decrease and increase, respectively, with cheatgrass cover, suggesting a shift in community composition. Cheatgrass had little effect on occupancy for deer mice, 13-lined ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus), and Ord's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii). Species' responses to cheatgrass primarily corresponded with our a priori predictions based on species' traits. The probability of occupancy varied significantly with a species' habitat association but not with diet or mode of locomotion. When considered within the context of a rapid habitat change, such as caused by invasive plants, relevant species' traits may provide a useful framework for predicting species' responses to a variety of habitat disturbances. Understanding which species are likely to be most affected by exotic plant invasion will help facilitate more efficient, targeted management and conservation of native species and habitats.

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“…Similarly, semi-arboreal fence skinks (C. adamsi) were not detected in grader grass, possibly due to lack of structural features. In general, complex habitat structure may be preferred by arboreal reptiles, and others requiring more diverse habitat features for foraging, perching, basking, and refuge (Garden et al, 2007;Mott et al, 2010;Pike et al, 2011;Steidl et al, 2013).…”

Section: Tablementioning

confidence: 99%

Mechanisms of the impact of a weed (grader grass, Themeda quadrivalvis ) on reptile assemblage structure in a tropical savannah

Abom

Vogler²,

Schwarzkopf

2015

Biological Conservation

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Tropical reptiles in pine forests: Assemblage responses to plantations and plantation management by burning

Cited by 24 publications

References 64 publications

A predictive framework and review of the ecological impacts of exotic plant invasions on reptiles and amphibians

A predictive framework and review of the ecological impacts of exotic plant invasions on reptiles and amphibians

Species’ traits help predict small mammal responses to habitat homogenization by an invasive grass

Mechanisms of the impact of a weed (grader grass, Themeda quadrivalvis ) on reptile assemblage structure in a tropical savannah

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