Herpetofauna distribution across habitat gradients
The complexities of these patterns demonstrate the value in assessing the herp community as a whole and over time. If research or monitoring efforts are focused on a single species or habitat type, the results may not represent the broader herp community or predict the response in neighboring habitat types.
- The habitat needs of reptiles and amphibians differ, leading to differences in the herp community across a grassland to forest habitat gradient
- Maintaining diverse habitats, with a range of fire histories, can support a wider range of habitat needs
- Herpetofauna communities are most diverse in savanna habitats
For further summary of the study's results and implications for management, view or download a PDF version of the research brief: "Herpetofauna distribution across habitat gradients."
The original paper is:
Grundel, Ralph, David A Beamer, Gary A. Glowacki, Krystalnn J. Frohnapple, Noel B. Pavlovic. 2015. Opposing responses to ecological gradients structure amphibian and reptile communities across a temperate grassland-savanna-forest landscape. Biodiversity Conservation 24:1089-1108.