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Does fire affect amphibians and reptiles in eastern U.S. oak forests?

Informally Refereed

Abstract

Current information about the effect of fire on amphibians and reptiles in oak forests of the Eastern and Central United States is reviewed. Current data suggest that fire results in little direct mortality of amphibians and reptiles. Fire has no effect on overall amphibian abundance, diversity, and number of species in comparisons of burned and unburned plots, though salamander numbers tend to be greater in unburned plots. Current research also suggests that fire has no effect on reptile abundance, diversity, or number of species except in several studies in which lizard abundance was or tended to be greater in burned plots. The season of burn seems to make no difference in amphibian and reptile response. Although fire generally has little effect on amphibians and reptiles in oak forests, managers need to continue to consider the potential effect of fire on amphibians and reptiles associated with streams and forest pools, and on endangered threatened species and/or those of special concern. Managers can monitor the effects of fire on their own or with help from biologists, or can consult references to surmise how management affects these animals.

Parent Publication

Citation

Renken, Rochelle B. 2006. Does fire affect amphibians and reptiles in eastern U.S. oak forests?. In: Dickinson, Matthew B., ed. 2006. Fire in eastern oak forests: delivering science to land managers, proceedings of a conference; 2005 November 15-17; Columbus, OH. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-1. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 158-166.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/18441