Study

Response of a reptile guild to forest harvesting

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Thin trees within forests

Action Link 		Reptile Conservation

Leave woody debris in forests after logging

Action Link 		Reptile Conservation
  1. Thin trees within forests

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2004–2006 in pine forests in South Carolina, USA (Todd & Andrews 2008) found that snake abundance was higher in thinned compared to clearcut forest. The number of snakes captured was higher after thinning (180 individuals) compared to clearcutting (80–102 individuals). Numbers of snakes captured in unharvested plots was 137. Four circular forest sites were divided into four plots and each plot was randomly assigned one of four treatments: 85% thinned, clearcut with coarse woody debris retained, clearcut with coarse woody debris removed and unharvested for >30 years. Logging was from February to April 2004. Reptiles were sampled using drift fences with pitfall traps. Traps were checked every 1–2 days from April 2004 to July 2006 except for August.

    (Summarised by: Maggie Watson, Katie Sainsbury)

  2. Leave woody debris in forests after logging

    A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 2004–2006 in pine forests in South Carolina, USA (Todd & Andrews 2008) found that snake abundance was similar in clearcut forest with woody debris left in place compared to when debris was removed, but lower in clearcut compared to thinned forest. The number of snakes captured was similar after clearcutting and leaving coarse woody debris in place (102 individuals) or removing coarse woody debris (80 individuals), but lower than after thinning (180 individuals). Numbers of snakes captured in unharvested plots was 137. Four circular forest sites were divided into four plots and each plot was randomly assigned one of four treatments: clearcut with coarse woody debris retained, clearcut with coarse woody debris removed, 85% thinned and unharvested for >30 years. Logging was from February to April 2004. Reptiles were sampled using drift fences with pitfall traps. Traps were checked every 1–2 days from April 2004 to July 2006 except for August.

    (Summarised by: Maggie Watson, Katie Sainsbury)

Output references
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