The effects of fire-driven succession on reptiles in spinifex grasslands at Uluru national park, Northern Territory

Abstract

Fire-driven succession had a pronounced effect on the distribution and abundance of reptiles inhabiting spinifex grasslands in Uluru National Park from 1987 to 1990. Forty species of reptiles were trapped during the study. Of these 14 were common (> 20 captures), 6 were uncommon (11-20 captures) and 20 were rare (≤ 10 captures). Species richness and abundance of individuals were greater on plots with mature spinifex for most species. On most sampling occasions only four geographically widely distributed species were more abundant on the regenerating plots: Rhynchoedura ornata, Diplodactylus stenodactylus, Ctenophorus nuchalis and Ramphytyphlops endoterus. Two species, Diplodactylus conspicillatus and Lerista bipes, showed no significant difference in abundance between plots. This study supports the suggestion that fire mosaics maximise reptile diversity. Although most reptile species were caught in mature spinifex, regenerating areas act as fire breaks and ensure that mature spinifex is always present.