Fire and habitat variables explain reptile community abundance and richness in subtropical open eucalypt forests

Abstract

Fire alters habitat structure, thereby influencing fauna reliant on specific habitat features, particularly those with low dispersal capability such as reptiles. We quantified reptile responses to fire regimes in subtropical open eucalypt forests of southeast Queensland, Australia, with differing fire histories to isolate fire parameters that may alter reptile communities. We sampled 15 unique fire regimes from three sites. Active reptile searches and habitat assessments were completed at 74 plots to determine the influence of fire frequency, time since fire and fire type on reptile composition. The combination of fire parameters and habitat variables were key predictors of reptile communities within models. We identified a negative relationship for overall abundance and Lygisaurus foliorum with fire frequency, and higher species richness and abundances of two species in top disposal burn sites. Shrub and tree cover percentage were important predictors of three individual species. Concinnia martini also exhibited a negative response to time since fire. These results highlight the need to consider multiple fire parameters when explaining reptile community responses to fire owing to mixed responses and varied habitat preferences. Detailed recording and consideration of applied fire regimes should support adaptive management in relation to planned burning to support biodiversity outcomes.