The relative importance of habitat quality and landscape context for reptiles in regenerating landscapes

Bruton, Melissa J.; Maron, Martine; Franklin, Craig E.; McAlpine, Clive

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2015.11.004

Cited by 16 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 74 publications

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“…Our results are in broad agreement with the current literature on reptile-landscape associations but also reveal some interesting contrasts. The increase in reptile presence and species richness with increased vegetation density in Mahamavo is consistent with reptile ecology studies conducted at both global and local scales (Bennett et al 2006;Wanger et al 2010;Bruton et al 2016;Lewin et al 2016) and is likely the result of increased hunting and shelter opportunities present in these sites (Beck & Jennings 2003;Tsairi & Bouskila 2004;Masterson et al 2008;Wasko & Sasa 2012;Bruton et al 2016). In contrast to findings in the literature, the F. angeli and F. oustaleti in Mahamavo showed preference for more densely forested sites, despite Furcifer species generally being thought to occur in more open or transformed environments in comparison to other Malagasy chameleons (Andreone et al 2005;Raxworthy & Nussbaum 2006;Randrianantoandro et al 2010).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

“…Terrestrial reptile occurrence is generally associated with heterogeneous sites that offer both shelter and areas of open substrate in which to bask, which are necessary for predator avoidance, hunting, thermoregulation and reproduction (Downes & Shine 1998;Tsairi & Bouskila 2004;Shah et al 2004;Qian et al 2007;Wanger et al 2010;Wasko & Sasa 2012;Bruton et al 2016). In many landscapes, the presence and structure of vegetation are the primary component of reptile shelters and are consequently an important predictor of terrestrial reptile occurrence (Bennett et al 2006;Masterson et al 2008;Wanger et al 2010;Bruton et al 2016;Lewin et al 2016), while rocky substrates and open areas are also utilised by some reptiles for basking (Row & Blouin-Demers 2006;Dubois et al 2009). Quantifying the structure of a landscape in terms of vegetation presence can shed light on the suitability of an area for reptile species and thus be used to predict reptile occurrence.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…2010; Wasko & Sasa 2012; Bruton et al . 2016). In many landscapes, the presence and structure of vegetation are the primary component of reptile shelters and are consequently an important predictor of terrestrial reptile occurrence (Bennett et al .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Forest patch characteristics affect reptile occurrence in north‐western Madagascar

2021

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Characterising species-landscape associations is relevant for conservation planning and management in response to environmental transformation. The occurrence of reptiles is linked to landscape structure that allows for thermoregulation, shelter and feeding, but the relative importance of these factors is unknown for many tropical and subtropical species. We used community-level occupancy modelling and remote sensing to investigate the effects of vegetation structure and anthropogenic development on reptile occurrence in a Malagasy dry forest during the dry season (June and July). The occupancy estimates for some species revealed that species occupancy increased for more densely vegetated sites situated closer to the forest edge. The proximity of anthropogenic transformation did not significantly affect the occurrence of species except for Uroplatus guentheri which showed preference for sites away from settlements. Because most species and those most sensitive to habitat transformation were associated with edges of intact forest patches with denser green vegetation, these areas should form the focus of efforts to conserve reptiles in tropical dry forests. We also demonstrate how setting and scale can affect how habitat-use patterns are interpreted and the importance of local, species-specific studies.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Forest patch characteristics affect reptile occurrence in north‐western Madagascar

2021

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“…Tomlinson et al2017). Areas of higher foraging and burrow activity are more likely to contain an abundance of food and thermal refuges, and may have decreased predation risk and competition pressures (Lindell 2008;Bruton et al 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Tracks crossing directly through a habitat with minimal tortuosity may indicate that these areas are lacking key resources (e.g. thermal refugia and less diverse microhabitats; Bruton et al 2016) and are consequently thermally unsuitable or expose individuals to high predation risk. The identification of key resources and microhabitats required to support populations with diverse demography is vital to understanding the suitability of restoration to support selfsustaining faunal populations (Craig 2002;Craig et al 2007;Fahrig 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using monitors to monitor ecological restoration: Presence may not indicate persistence

et al. 2020

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Habitat loss is a leading cause of biodiversity declines globally, and there has been increasing recognition in recent years of the importance of restoring degraded habitats to functional ecosystems to ameliorate this loss. Despite the critical roles animals play in ecosystems, animals are often overlooked in assessments of ecological restoration success, particularly beyond their presence or absence in these habitats. Apex predators are critical to ecosystems, regulating predator-prey dynamics, and in arid Australia, monitor lizards (Reptilia: Varanidae) often fill high-order predatory roles. Varanids are highly diverse in size and occupy a variety of ecological niches, providing an ideal group for assessing habitat change over multiple spatial scales. Here, we assess the responses of varanids to early-stage habitat restoration following the discontinuation of mining activities, by mapping behavioural signs of habitat usage including burrows, tracks and diggings. We recorded burrow size and track measurements to gauge the size of varanids utilising reference and restored habitats, and mapped tortuosity of tracks to assess their movement through habitats. Restored areas had significantly fewer signs of varanid presence than the reference bushland and largely appeared to be just traversed or used only by larger individuals. Restored landscapes, particularly those in early successional stages, often lack established vegetation cover and present increased metabolic costs and predation risks. Providing fauna refuges (e.g. hollow logs) to mitigate the metabolic costs and predation risks in areas undergoing restoration may aid in facilitating the return of varanids and of other animal populations, particularly during the early stages of vegetation establishment. Understanding the behavioural responses and movement ecology of animals within landscapes undergoing restoration is key to facilitating the conservation of self-sustaining and functional ecosystems.

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Ecological dynamics in Banksia aemula woodlands following widespread, anthropogenic wildfires on a world heritage listed island (K'gari), Australia

Brunton,

Anderson,

Applegate

et al. 2024

Biological Diversity

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The increased severity and frequency of wildfires are a growing threat to biodiversity globally posing a complex challenge for the management of protected areas. K'gari, a World Heritage‐listed sand barrier island located off the coast of Australia, was extensively burnt in wildfires in 2019 and 2020. Banksia aemula low open woodland (BALOW) is a fire‐adapted ecosystem, and Banksia aemula is the dominant vegetation type on the island. This research explored interactions between vertebrate fauna and flora species richness and structure after fires in the BALOW habitat. We employed camera trapping and vegetation surveys to estimate species richness and habitat structure. We detected 28 fauna and 56 plant species, including two vulnerable species. Fauna species richness differed between sites; the site with the most intense, extensive, and recent fire had the lowest fauna species richness and mammal species richness. In contrast, the site with lower intensity and more frequent historical fires had the highest fauna diversity. The long unburnt site had higher overall tree diversity and reduced shrub diversity. This research further highlights the need for evidence‐based fire management in protected areas and the risk that large‐scale and/or high‐intensity fires may pose to biodiversity even within fire‐adapted ecosystems.

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The relative importance of habitat quality and landscape context for reptiles in regenerating landscapes

Cited by 16 publications

References 74 publications

Forest patch characteristics affect reptile occurrence in north‐western Madagascar

Forest patch characteristics affect reptile occurrence in north‐western Madagascar

Using monitors to monitor ecological restoration: Presence may not indicate persistence

Ecological dynamics in Banksia aemula woodlands following widespread, anthropogenic wildfires on a world heritage listed island (K'gari), Australia

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