Coluber Research Articles

Duck nest depredation, predator behavior, and female response using video

ABSTRACTDepredation plays an important role in determining duck nest success and predator and female duck behavior during nest depredation can influence nest fate. We examined depredation of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and gadwall (A. strepera) nests in Suisun Marsh, California, USA, in 2015–2016 with continuous infrared video monitoring to identify nest predators and characterize predator and female duck behavior during depredation events. We recorded predators at 44% of 147 nests monitored. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) were the most frequent predator observed at nests (40% of nests visited and 53% of depredated eggs) followed by striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis; 27% and 27%), coyotes (Canis latrans; 4% and 9%), common ravens (Corvus corax; 4% and 9%), gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer catenifer; 19% and 0%), and western yellow‐bellied racers (Coluber constrictor mormon; 1% and 0%). The number of eggs depredated per depredation bout varied among predators (raccoons: 7.3 eggs; skunks: 2.5; coyotes: 7.4; ravens: 7.7; and snakes: 0.0). Mammal depredation occurred between 1600 and 0400, whereas snakes and ravens were observed at nests during the day (snakes: 1000–2100; ravens: 1700). Females flushed from nests immediately before predator arrival ( = 29.0 ± 16.6 [SD] sec), and this timing did not vary among predators. However, the length of nest depredation bouts varied among predators. Nest visits by gopher snakes were longer (18.6 ± 19.4 min) than depredation bouts by other predators (12.3 ± 10.7 min), but snakes did not successfully consume any eggs. Females took more time to return to nests when nests were depredated by raccoons (239 ± 137 min), whereas females returned more quickly when nests were visited by skunks (81 ± 163 min) or gopher snakes (15 ± 128 min). Partial clutch depredation occurred at 15% of depredated nests, but only 23% of partially depredated nests successfully hatched ≥1 egg. Our results indicate that predator type and behavior can influence female behavior and nest fate, and that management actions that reduce the effectiveness of raccoons and skunks encountering waterfowl nests may benefit these nesting populations. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Common Cutaneous Bacteria Isolated from Snakes Inhibit Growth of Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola.

There is increasing concern regarding potential impacts of snake fungal disease (SFD), caused by Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), on free-ranging snake populations in the eastern USA. The snake cutaneous microbiome likely serves as the first line of defense against Oo and other pathogens; however, little is known about microbial associations in snakes. The objective of this study was to better define the composition and immune function of the snake cutaneous microbiome. Eight timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) and four black racers (Coluber constrictor) were captured in Arkansas and Tennessee, with some snakes exhibiting signs of SFD. Oo was detected through real-time qPCR in five snakes. Additional histopathological techniques confirmed a diagnosis of SFD in one racer, the species' first confirmed case of SFD in Tennessee. Fifty-eight bacterial and five fungal strains were isolated from skin swabs and identified with Sanger sequencing. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and PERMANOVA analyses indicated that the culturable microbiome does not differ between snake species. Fifteen bacterial strains isolated from rattlesnakes and a single strain isolated from a racer inhibited growth of Oo in vitro. Results shed light on the culturable cutaneous microbiome of snakes and probiotic members that may play a role in fighting an emergent disease.

Conservation genetics of the eastern yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) and bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi): River valleys are critical features for snakes at northern range limits.

On the North American Great Plains, several snake species reach their northern range limit where they rely on sparsely distributed hibernacula located in major river valleys. Independent colonization histories for the river valleys and barriers to gene flow caused by the lack of suitable habitat between them may have produced genetically differentiated snake populations. To test this hypothesis, we used 10 microsatellite loci to examine the population structure of two species of conservation concern in Canada: the eastern yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) and bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) in 3 major river valleys in southern Saskatchewan. Fixation indices (FST) showed that populations in river valleys were significantly differentiated for both species (racers, FST = 0.096, P = 0.001; bullsnakes FST = 0.045–0.157, P = 0.001). Bayesian assignment (STRUCTURE) and ordination (DAPC) strongly supported genetically differentiated groups in the geographically distinct river valleys. Finer-scale subdivision of populations within river valleys was not apparent based on our data, but is a topic that should be investigated further. Our findings highlight the importance of major river valleys for snakes at the northern extent of their ranges, and raise the possibility that populations in each river valley may warrant separate management strategies.

Coalescent Species Tree Inference ofColuberandMasticophis

The genus-level taxonomy of the New World racers and whipsnakes (Coluber and Masticophis) has long been contentious regarding whether the two genera are mutually exclusive clades. This argument is based on morphological characters and largely single-locus analyses. Herein we examine the phylogenetic history of this group using multi-locus data in a coalescent framework, where paraphyly of Masticophis would result in support for the recognition of only a single genus (Coluber) for these species. We sample all currently recognized species and incorporate broad geographic sampling for the more widespread species groups to explore biogeographic patterns across North America. Our analyses suggest that Masticophis is monophyletic with respect to Coluber constrictor, albeit with low support. These results also demonstrate that there is undescribed cryptic diversity in this group, and we underscore additional avenues of study to further delimit unrecognized species in this clade. The biogeography of the island en...

New Locality Record of Nagarjunasagar Racer ( Coluber bholanathi ) (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae) from Near Rishi Valley School, Andhra Pradesh, India

The rare Coluber bholanathi found in Eastern Ghats of India is reported based on two live uncollected specimens from a new locality, Pujarivaripalle (Madanapalle, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh). Our data expands the morphological and geographical characterization of this species.

Effects of a Landscape Disturbance on the Habitat Use and Behavior of the Black Racer

The effects of disturbance, including prescribed fire, vary among species and their ability to adjust to the altered environment. Our objective was to link fire-caused habitat changes with shifts in habitat use and behavioral changes in the Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus). We compared habitat availability between burned (experimental) and unburned (control) plots and used radio telemetry to evaluate snake behavior and habitat use. The numerical abundance of C. constrictor in burned habitat was nearly twice that in the control. In both treatments, C. constrictor was associated with areas that were more open, had less canopy cover, more new vegetative growth, and less, shallower leaf litter. However, the availability of these habitats was greater in the burn treatment. Snakes were more surface active in the burn treatment and tended to be more arboreal in the control treatment. Differences in available habitat may have caused an increase in surface activity in the burn treatment, which could have biased detection rates and created higher apparent abundance in the burned treatment. Females moved more often in the control treatment, which may be due to a lack of preferred thermal habitat and reproductive thermoregulatory demands. Ultimately, fire changed habitat availability and altered the movement rates and behavior of C. constrictor causing ecological effects that may not be detected when researchers only compare abundance.

Do seasonal patterns of rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) and black racer (Coluber constrictor) activity predict avian nest predation?

Avian nest success often varies seasonally and because predation is the primary cause of nest failure, seasonal variation in predator activity has been hypothesized to explain seasonal variation in nest success. Despite the fact that nest predator communities are often diverse, recent evidence from studies of snakes that are nest predators has lent some support to the link between snake activity and nest predation. However, the strength of the relationship has varied among studies. Explaining this variation is difficult, because none of these studies directly identified nest predators, the link between predator activity and nest survival was inferred. To address this knowledge gap, we examined seasonal variation in daily survival rates of 463 bird nests (of 17 bird species) and used cameras to document predator identity at 137 nests. We simultaneously quantified seasonal activity patterns of two local snake species (N = 30 individuals) using manual (2136 snake locations) and automated (89,165 movements detected) radiotelemetry. Rat snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus), the dominant snake predator at the site (~28% of observed nest predations), were most active in late May and early June, a pattern reported elsewhere for this species. When analyzing all monitored nests, we found no link between nest predation and seasonal activity of rat snakes. When analyzing only nests with known predator identities (filmed nests), however, we found that rat snakes were more likely to prey on nests during periods when they were moving the greatest distances. Similarly, analyses of all monitored nests indicated that nest survival was not linked to racer activity patterns, but racer‐specific predation (N = 17 nests) of filmed nests was higher when racers were moving the greatest distances. Our results suggest that the activity of predators may be associated with higher predation rates by those predators, but that those effects can be difficult to detect when nest predator communities are diverse and predator identities are not known. Additionally, our results suggest that hand‐tracking of snakes provides a reliable indicator of predator activity that may be more indicative of foraging behavior than movement frequency provided by automated telemetry systems.

Wait Until Dark? Daily Activity Patterns and Nest Predation by Snakes

AbstractPredation involves costs and benefits, so predators should employ tactics that reduce their risk of injury or death and that increase their success at capturing prey. One potential way that predators could decrease risk and increase benefits is by attacking prey at night when risks may be reduced and prey more vulnerable. Because some snakes are facultatively nocturnal and prey on bird nests during the day and night, they are ideal for assessing the costs and benefits of diurnal vs. nocturnal predation. We used automated radiotelemetry and cameras to investigate predation on nesting birds by two species of snakes, one diurnal and the other facultatively nocturnal. We predicted that snakes preying on nests at night should experience less parental nest defence and capture more adults and nestlings. Rat snakes (Pantherophis obsoletus) were relatively inactive at night (23–36% activity) but nearly always preyed on nests after dark (80% of nest predations). Conversely, racers (Coluber constrictor) were exclusively diurnal and preyed on nests during the times of day they were most active. These results are consistent with rat snakes strategically using their capacity for facultative nocturnal activity to prey on nests at night. The likely benefit is reduced nest defence because birds defended their nests less vigourously at night. Consistent with nocturnal predation being safer, rat snake predation events lasted three times longer at night than during the day (26 vs. 8 min). Nocturnal nest predation did not make nests more profitable by increasing the likelihood of capturing adults or removing premature fledging of nestlings. The disconnect between rat snake activity and timing of nest predation seems most consistent with rat snakes locating prey during the day using visual cues but waiting until dark to prey on nests when predation is safer, although designing a direct test of this hypothesis will be challenging.

Six New Host Records forMesocestoidessp. Tetrathyridia (Cestoidea: Cyclophyllidea) from Amphibians and Reptiles of Arkansas, U.S.A

ABSTRACT: Forty-two individual amphibians and 37 reptiles from Arkansas, U.S.A., were examined for tetrathyridia of the cyclophyllidean cestode genus, Mesocestoides. The following herpetofauna were found to be infected with encapsulated or free tetrathyridia of this tapeworm, 1 of 25 (4%) spotted salamanders, Ambystoma maculatum; 1 of 17 (6%) western slimy salamanders, Plethodon albagula; 1 of 21 (5%) 5-lined skinks, Plestiodon fasciatus; 1 of 5 (20%) black racers, Coluber constrictor priapus; 1 of 10 (10%), western rat snakes, Pantherophis obsoletus; and 1 of 1 (100%) eastern garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis. We report 6 new host records for Mesocestoides sp., including the fifth and sixth report of this parasite from caudate amphibians of the world. This is also only the second time this tapeworm has been reported from snakes of the genus Thamnophis.

Operating Body Temperatures in a Snake Community of Northern Virginia

Thermal data were collected from 15 of 16 species of snakes found at the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Fairfax County, VA. Data recorded at each capture included the date, 24-hour military time, body temperature (BT), air temperature (AT), ground-surface temperature (ST), water temperature (WT) if in water, and the snake's activity (under cover, moving on land, basking, foraging, climbing, swimming, courting/mating). The purpose of this study was to determine the potential range of operating body temperature (OBT) of the individual species. The range of OBT is interpreted as the snake's operating temperature at its current environmental temperatures (ET), which can be used in comparisons with similar data from other North American regions, and represents the first such report from the Mid-Atlantic Region. The mean and ranges of BT, AT, ST, and WT are presented for the eight snakes with 20 or more records: Carphophis amoenus (n = 238), Coluber constrictor (204), Nerodia sipedon (67), Thamnophis sirtalis (55), Diadophis punctatus (54), Pantherophis alleghaniensis (43), Thamnophis sauritus (26), and Agkistrodon contortrix (24). New thermal records are reported for several of these species. The ranges of BT during activities are also reported. New temperature records are also reported for Virginia valeriae (n = 16 encounters), Storeria dekayi (12), Opheodrys aestivus (6), Lampropeltis calligaster (6), and Regina septemvittata (2).

Feeding Ecology of the Snake Community of the Red Hills Region Relative to Management for Northern Bobwhite: Assessing the Diet of Snakes Using Stable Isotopes

Snakes can respond to variation in resource availability through changes in diet and species interactions. For many species, however, patterns of variation in diet are poorly known. Making use of novel 13C, through the provision of supplemental food in the form of milo (Sorghum spp.) for Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), we used carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analyses to evaluate the specificity of mammalian and herpetofaunal diet, trophic niche width, and trophic niche overlap between five snake species in the Red Hills of the southeastern United States. Most mammalian prey and Northern Bobwhite were characterized by different δ13C values in the milo- and non-milo-treated areas. Using milo to reflect dietary patterns we determined that Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum), Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), and Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) were dietary generalists, revealed by larger isotopic range and lack of correspondence between isotopic values and those of distinct prey groups. In contrast, Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) and Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) were dietary specialists. Black Racers fed largely on herpetofauna, and δ13C values of Corn Snake revealed a gradual ontogenetic/size-related diet shift from herpetofauna to a mammalian-based diet. There was considerable overlap of isotopic trophic niche between snake species, except for the Cottonmouth with δ15N values higher than other sampled species. These findings provide novel insight into snake trophic ecology.

Power lines, roads, and avian nest survival: effects on predator identity and predation intensity.

1 Anthropogenic alteration of landscapes can affect avian nest success by influencing the abundance, distribution, and behavior of predators. Understanding avian nest predation risk necessitates understanding how landscapes affect predator distribution and behavior.2 From a sample of 463 nests of 17 songbird species, we evaluated how landscape features (distance to forest edge, unpaved roads, and power lines) influenced daily nest survival. We also used video cameras to identify nest predators at 137 nest predation events and evaluated how landscape features influenced predator identity. Finally, we determined the abundance and distribution of several of the principal predators using surveys and radiotelemetry.3 Distance to power lines was the best predictor of predator identity: predation by brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), corvids (Corvus sp. and Cyanocitta cristata), racers (Coluber constrictor), and coachwhips (Masticophis flagellum) increased with proximity to power lines, whereas predation by rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta) and raptors decreased. In some cases, predator density may reliably indicate nest predation risk because racers, corvids, and cowbirds frequently used power line right-of-ways.4 Of five bird species with enough nests to analyze individually, daily nest survival of only indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) decreased with proximity to power lines, despite predation by most predators at our site being positively associated with power lines. For all nesting species combined, distance to unpaved road was the model that most influenced daily nest survival. This pattern is likely a consequence of rat snakes, the locally dominant nest predator (28% of predation events), rarely using power lines and associated areas. Instead, rat snakes were frequently associated with road edges, indicating that not all edges are functionally similar.5 Our results suggest that interactions between predators and landscape features are likely to be specific to both the local predators and landscape. Thus, predicting how anthropogenic changes to landscapes affect nesting birds requires that we know more about how landscape changes affect the behavior of nest predators and which nest predators are locally important.

Facultative nocturnal behaviour in snakes: experimental examination of why and how with Ratsnakes (Elaphe obsoleta) and Racers (Coluber constrictor)

Diel activity patterns are often fixed within species such that most animals can be classified as diurnal, crepuscular, or nocturnal, and have sensory abilities that reflect when they are active. However, many snake species appear capable of switching between diurnal and nocturnal activity. Here, we evaluate the hypothesis that some species are constrained in their activity by the sensory cues used for foraging. We experimentally assessed differences between two sympatric snake species in their ability to alter diel activity patterns, to address why those snakes that switch do so (do thermal constraints force them to be active in otherwise nonpreferred conditions?), and to explore how sensory abilities to locate prey facilitate or constrain this shift. Ratsnakes (Elaphe obsoleta (Say in James, 1823)) were active when temperature was optimal, regardless of light level, suggesting their activity pattern is genuinely plastic. Consistent with our predictions, Ratsnakes successfully detected prey in low and high light using visual or chemical cues, and were most successful when cues were coupled. Racers (Coluber constrictor L., 1758) were almost exclusively diurnal, regardless of temperature, and became less active when daytime temperatures were suboptimal. The ability of Ratsnakes to shift activity may confer a foraging advantage and should buffer Ratsnakes and similarly flexible species from climate change, whereas climate change may pose a more serious threat to inflexible species such as Racers.

SNAKE ASSEMBLAGE STRUCTURES AND SEASONAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS ON A MILITARY BASE IN SOUTH-CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA:

We ascertained the assemblage structures of snakes occurring in a mixed habitat matrix of natural and disturbed habitats during 2008–2011 at Letterkenny Army Depot (LEAD), a 7200 ha U.S. Army base in south-central Pennsylvania, to understand the patterns of species abundance as they related to habitat type of managed lands. We detected eight species in 12 sites comprising natural and disturbed habitats of wetlands, forest, and thicket and open fields. The Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis) occurred in the most sites, the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) was the rarest species in the study. Two to six species occupied each site and were distributed unevenly. Dynamics of assemblages could be explained in part by habitat and also by the presence of the North American Racer (Coluber constrictor). All species for which data were available exhibited a unimodal pattern to their seasonal activity (mostly May and June); however, seasonal activity peaks differed between sexes. Sex ratios varied among species but were consistently female–biased in the Common Gartersnake and Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. As elsewhere in Pennsylvania and the Northeast, body sizes of adults were larger for species syntopic with the North American Racer than for species not syntopic with this potential predator. We found a degree of predictability with respect to snake assemblage dynamics among habitats at LEAD, which in turn can prove useful in resource management of this large and protected human-impacted system.

A Contribution to Coluber bholanathi Sharma, 1976 (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Geographical distribution of lesser known colubrid snake Coluber bholanathi Sharma, 1976 is expanded to new state based on live specimen capture. We are supplementing knowledge on its taxonomy, morphology and natural history in the same work. Further field surveys in rocky hills of north Karnataka will reveal more information about this endemic species.

Snake co‐occurrence patterns are best explained by habitat and hypothesized effects of interspecific interactions

Snakes often occur in species-rich assemblages, and sympatry is thought to be facilitated primarily by low diet overlap, not interspecific interactions. We selected, a priori, three species pairs consisting of species that are morphologically and taxonomically similar and may therefore be likely to engage in interspecific, consumptive competition. We then examined a large-scale database of snake detection/nondetection data and used occupancy modelling to determine whether these species occur together more or less frequently than expected by chance while accounting for variation in detection probability among species and incorporating important habitat categories in the models. For some snakes, we obtained evidence that the probabilities that habitat patches are used are influenced by the presence of potentially competing congeneric species. Specifically, timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) were less likely than expected by chance to use areas that also contained eastern diamond-backed rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus) when the proportion of evergreen forest was relatively high. Otherwise, they occurred together more often than expected by chance. Complex relationships were revealed between habitat use, detection probabilities and occupancy probabilities of North American racers (Coluber constrictor) and coachwhips (Coluber flagellum) that indicated the probability of competitive exclusion increased with increasing area of grassland habitat, although there was some model uncertainty. Cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus or Pantherophis slowinskii) and ratsnakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis, Pantherophis spiloides, or Pantherophis obsoletus) exhibited differences in habitat selection, but we obtained no evidence that patterns of use for this species pair were influenced by current interspecific interactions. Overall, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that competitive interactions influence snake assemblage composition; the strength of these effects was affected by landscape-scale habitat features. Furthermore, we suggest that current interspecific interactions may influence snake occupancy, challenging the paradigm that contemporary patterns of snake co-occurrence are largely a function of diet partitioning that arose over evolutionary time.

Balancing the dumbbell: Summer habitats need protection in addition to winter dens for northern snake communities

The grasslands of southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada are home to several snake species of conservation concern at the northern extreme of their geographic range. To aid conservation assessment and management planning for these snakes, we used radio-telemetry, a geographic information system, and multivariate modeling to identify and compare macrohabitat selection by eastern yellow-bellied racers (n = 33; Coluber constrictor flaviventris), bullsnakes (n = 16; Pituophis catenifer sayi), and prairie rattlesnakes (n = 23; Crotalus viridis). All 3 species shared communal hibernacula in the inactive winter season, but dispersed into different macrohabitats across the landscape during the spring and summer. Their home ranges varied in size by species and were dumbbell-shaped with activity centers near hibernacula and in well-defined summer grounds; activity centers were connected by narrow movement corridors. Racers strongly selected for riparian areas, bullsnakes selected for valley grassland habitats, and rattlesnakes selected for areas associated with prairie dog colonies. Some rattlesnakes traveled great distances (over 11 km) from the dens compared to the other species (bullsnake max. = 4 km; racer max. = 5 km), which may be a result of their selected macrohabitat being more patchily distributed in the landscape. Our results indicate that management plans for these snakes must consider the den area, corridors, and separate summering grounds, as well as differences in home range size and movement patterns for each species. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.

Blood parasites of amphibians and reptiles in Israel

ABSTRACT A survey of 196 amphibians and reptiles (39 species) from Israel, conducted between June and November, 1984, revealed the following blood parasites: Rana ridibunda, 3 species of Trypanosoma, including T. rotatorium and 2 unidentified species, and 2 unidentified species of Haemogregarina. In lizards and snakes, only haemogregarines were seen, probably Hepatozoon spp. Two species were observed in Agama stellio, probably 2 species in Acanthodactylus boskianus and one species in Varanus griseus. Among the snakes, gamonts of morphologically similar haemogregarines were recorded from Coluber rhodorachis, Malpolon moilensis and Cerastes cerastes. These parasites resembled Hepatozoon aegypti which occurred in 2 specimens of Spalerosophis diadema. A different haemogregarine was observed in Walterinnesia aegyptia. A haemogregarine was recorded from the Caspian terrapin, Mauremys caspica rivulata. Localities and prevalence data are presented and potential vectors for the parasites are discussed.

HEAD TRIANGULATION IN TWO COLUBRINE SNAKES: PROBABLE BEHAVIOURAL REINFORCEMENT OF BATESIAN MIMICRY

ABSTRACT Two Israeli aglyphous colubrid snakes seem to mimic venomous viperid snakes. Spalerosophis diadema cliffordi resembles sympatric desert viperids, especially Vipera persica fieldi, in girth, coloration and defensive behaviour. Coluber ravergieri nummifer resembles the sympatric Vipera palaestinae in length, coloration and defensive behaviour. Direct evidence of functional mimicry is absent, except that man is frequently misled. Because several conventional conditions are fulfilled, these appear to be two cases of Batesian mimicry. Any of five hypotheses may enable the evolution of such mimicry systems in which the model may be lethal. Some individuals of both mimic species greatly increase the morphological resemblance to the models by behaviourally flattening and triangulating the head in the defensive display. This behaviour is distinct from that of flattening the head as part of a general flattening of the body, to increase the area shown an enemy or in basking. Parallely, cobras are mimicked b...

Amphibian and reptile responses to thinning and prescribed burning in mixed pine-hardwood forests of northwestern Alabama, USA

We evaluated the response of amphibians and reptiles to two levels of prescribed burning and three levels of thinning using a field experiment consisting of a before–after, control-impact, and factorial complete block design over a four year period in the William B. Bankhead National Forest located in northwestern Alabama. We captured 2643 individuals representing 47 species (20 amphibians and 27 reptiles) during 3132 trap nights. Pre-treatment captures varied widely for both amphibians and reptiles among the stands designated for management, which was likely due to forest structural changes caused by tree mortality resulting from Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) infestations. Within each amphibian and reptile species assemblage, we observed species-specific associations with specific treatments and environmental characteristics. In regards to individual species responses, Eastern Fence Lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) increased in thin-with-burn treatments and Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis) tended to increase in all thinned stands. North American Racers (Coluber constrictor) increased in thin-only plots primarily during the second post-treatment year. Mississippi Slimy Salamander (Plethodon mississippi) captures tended to decrease in all treatment stands throughout the study period, which may been due to either drier environmental conditions during post-treatment sampling or natural population cycling. Pool-breeding amphibian captures were more likely related to the hydroperiod of aquatic breeding environments within 290m of survey locations rather than forest treatments. Our results illustrate that forest restoration through tree thinning can positively influence certain reptile species with limited impacts on amphibians in upland, pine-dominated forests of northern Alabama. However, as our forest stands are scheduled to be burned every 3–5years, continued monitoring is necessary to understand the impacts of repeated disturbances.