How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2008 Short-Term Response of Herpetofauna to Various Burning Regimes in the South Texas Plains
Donald C. Ruthven, Richard T. Kazmaier, Michael W. Janis
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Data on effects of fire on herpetofauna generally are lacking. With increased use of prescribed fire to manage rangelands in South Texas for wildlife and livestock, a better understanding of effects of fire on the herpetofauna is needed. We investigated effects of combinations of winter and summer prescribed fire on rangeland sites on the Chaparral Wildlife Management Area in southern Texas. Dormant-season fires had little effect on diversity and abundance of the herpetofauna. Inclusion of growing-season fire into the burning regime tended to increase diversity and abundance of grassland species, such as the six-lined racerunner (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus). Although our experimental design limits interpretation of results to the study site, our data suggest that prescribed fire may be used to manage rangelands in South Texas without negative affects on the herpetofauna. A varied burning regime is recommended to increase herpetofaunal diversity.

Donald C. Ruthven, Richard T. Kazmaier, and Michael W. Janis "Short-Term Response of Herpetofauna to Various Burning Regimes in the South Texas Plains," The Southwestern Naturalist 53(4), 480-487, (1 December 2008). https://doi.org/10.1894/WL-17.1
Received: 20 August 2007; Accepted: 1 May 2008; Published: 1 December 2008
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top