Lizard distributions and reproductive success in a ponderosa pine forest
Germaine SS and Germaine HL. 2003. Lizard distributions and reproductive success in a ponderosa pine forest. Journal of Herpetology. 37(4):645-652
We assessed relative abundance, demographic, and reproductive success data for two lizard species in a Northern Arizona ponderosa pine forest, a fire-dependent system unnaturally modified by fire suppression over the past century. During May to October 1997-1999, we employed 70 pitfall arrays to sample lizards over 6990 array-days. At each array, we described macro-vegetative cover, stand, and microhabitat characteristics. Increased tree densities, canopy closure, and litter accumulation influenced distributions of both lizards. Abundance and reproduction in these lizards were generally optimized in habitat with features most similar to that present prior to fire suppression activities and in areas containing a deciduous tree component.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Germaine, Stephen; Germaine, Heather
- Units
- PARA
- Keywords
- Arizona Strip, Eumeces skiltonianus (Western Skink), Herpetological survey, Mt. Trumbull, Presence (Biodiversity), Sceloporus graciosus (Sagebrush Lizard), Uinkaret Plateau