Fire effects on amphibians and reptiles in Georgia

What is it about?

Abundance, diversity, and richness of amphibian and reptile species were compared between burned and unburned bottomland hardwood stands in Burke County, Georgia, from July to October 2001. Amphibian abundance, diversity, and richness were similar between burned and unburned stands. Reptile abundance and diversity were greater in burned stands, whereas reptile species richness was similar between burned and unburned stands.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Winter burns did not significantly affect coarse woody debris volumes between burned and unburned stands and may have accounted for similar amphibian abundance and diversity. Greater reptile abundance and diversity in burned stands likely was a result of decreased ground cover providing greater thermoregulatory opportunities. Prescribed burning is an important habitat management tool that can produce greater landscape diversity within Georgia bottomland hardwood stands.