Responses of small vertebrates to linear clearings in a South Australian woodland
Date
2013
Authors
Carthew, S.
Jones, K.
Lawes, M.
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Journal article
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Ecological Research, 2013; 28(6):1003-1010
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Susan M. Carthew, Katherine M. W. Jones, Michael Lawes
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Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
<jats:p>
This work assesses whether the width and “permanence” of linear clearings affects the distribution and movement patterns of small, terrestrial vertebrates in a native South Australian woodland. We examined the influence of narrow (1.5 and 4.2 m), non‐permanent seismic exploration tracks; and wide (6–7 and 12–15 m), permanent fire tracks. There were 1,007 captures of 14 species (four amphibians, six reptiles, four mammals) from 18,000 trap days/nights across 15 sites. Total species richness was highest adjacent to 6–7 m wide permanent tracks (8.3) and lowest in areas without clearings (5.3). There was heterogeneity of captures between track types (
<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>
< 0.008), species (
<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>
< 0.001), and species by track type (
<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>
< 0.001).
<jats:italic>Antechinus flavipes</jats:italic>
was most abundant adjacent to both types of permanent tracks, probably as a result of increased habitat complexity at these sites. Twenty‐four percent of movements by recaptured
<jats:italic>A. flavipes</jats:italic>
involved track crossings. Animals crossed all track types; nevertheless, individuals were more likely to be recaptured on the same side of a track. Individuals were less likely to cross permanent tracks (
<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>
= 0.025 for 6–7 m and
<jats:italic>p</jats:italic>
= 0.008 for 12 to 15‐m‐wide tracks), with females being particularly inhibited. Although 11 % of 56 recaptured
<jats:italic>Rattus</jats:italic>
spp. had crossed a track, no individuals crossed the 12 to 15‐m permanent tracks. In the habitat type studied here, narrow seismic lines may have a slightly positive effect on some ground‐dwelling vertebrates, and do not appear to substantially inhibit movement. However, there is a need to carefully manage permanent tracks, which could isolate faunal populations.
</jats:p>
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© The Ecological Society of Japan 2013