Reptile and amphibian composition in prescribed burnt dry sclerophyll forest, southern Queensland

Abstract

Summary Herpetofaunal communities living under two prescribed burning regimes (annually burnt and periodically burnt, ie. every 2 to 5 years) in a dry (Corymbia citriodora—Syn. Eucalyptus maculata dominated) sclerophyll forest in south-eastern Queensland were compared with the herpetofaunal community of similar lowland forest unburnt for approximately 50 years. Each of the three burning regimes were surveyed by active searching and use of pitfall traps. Species richness and species diversity of reptiles were highest in the forest unburnt for approximately 50 years—with the relative density of reptiles being significantly greater. Fine litter and logs were more common in the unburnt forest compartment. At the micro-habitat scale, reptiles were significantly correlated with percentage cover of fallen logs. Records suggested that the distribution of Lampropholis spp. and three species of Carlia were significantly affected by micro-habitat changes induced by fire. The abundance and diversity of the amphibian community was complicated with no clear pattern related to fire regime emerging. Amphibians responded significantly to heavy rains during sampling.