Effect of streambank fencing on herpetofauna in pasture stream zones
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Authors: J. D. Homyack, and W. M. Giuliano
Date: 2002
Journal: Wildlife Society Bulletin
Volume: 30
Number: 2
Pages: 361-369
Summary of Methods: Effects of streambank fencing on reptile and amphibian species richness, abundance, and biomass were investigated within and around the Pike Run watershed of southwestern Pennsylvania. This was done on 10 grazed and 10 recently protected (1 to 2 growing seasons) streams and associated riparian areas during spring and summer (1998-1999). Unfenced sites were grazed continuously with an average stocking rate of 0.40 animals/ha and on fenced sites livestock grazing was excluded for 1-2 yrs. Vegetation, water quality, and macroinvertebrate populations were measured as livestock grazing impacts communities of herpetofauna by influencing these factors. At 20 randomly located plots during the second week of each month (April-July) litter cover (%), herbaceous ground cover (%), vertical obstruction, and vegetation height were measured. Aquatic and terrestrial macrovertebrates were sampled from April-July.
Article Summary / Main Points: There was no difference in species richness, abundance, or biomass of herpetofauna between grazed and ungrazed sites except for northern queen and eastern garter snakes which were more abundant on ungrazed than grazed sites. Ungrazed sites had higher litter cover (%) and vertical obstructions, while grazed sites had a higher vegetative ground cover (%) and terrestrial macroinvertebrates biomass. Water quality did not differ between grazed and ungrazed sites.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: 147 Northern Appalachian Ridges and Valleys 148 Northern Piedmont
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Amphibians
Article Review Type: Peer Reviewed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: abundance, amphibian, biomass, herpetofauna, livestock, macroinvertebrate, reptile, riparian areas, species richness, streambank fencing, vegetation, water quality
Annotation: The findings of this study can be applied to all wetlands, streams, and riparian areas. Since the study did not show any differences in the variables measured between grazed and ungrazed sites, it corroborates the belief that some species such as birds, small mammals, and fish recover quickly following streambank fencing, whereas most reptiles and amphibians require > 4 years to recover. Different grazing seasons, and utilization levels were not studied in the study which can affect results.
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