Effect of streambank fencing on herpetofauna in pasture stream zones

Published source details Homyack J.D. & Giuliano W.M (2002) Effect of streambank fencing on herpetofauna in pasture stream zones. Wildlife Society Bulletin, 30, 361–369.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Exclude domestic animals or wild hogs by fencing Action Link
	Cease livestock grazing: Grassland & shrubland Action Link

Exclude domestic animals or wild hogs by fencing

A replicated, site comparison study in 1998–1999 of streams in pasture in Pennsylvania, USA (Homyack & Giuliano 2002) found that excluding livestock from stream banks did not increase amphibian species richness or abundance overall, but did increase tadpole numbers. There was no significant difference in overall species richness, abundance or biomass, or in the abundance of salamanders, bullfrogs Rana catesbeiana or wood frog Rana sylvatica between fenced and unfenced streams. However, tadpole captures were higher in fenced compared to unfenced areas (20 vs 6). In comparison, captures were higher in unfenced compared to fenced areas for green frogs Rana clamitans (8 vs 5/site) and American toads Bufo americanus (2.4 vs 1.5). Ten grazed and 10 recently fenced (1–2 yrs) streams were selected over 20 farms. Sites were 100m long by 10–15 m wide on both banks. Monitoring was undertaken using two drift-fences per site. Each fence had a pitfall trap, side-flap pail-trap and funnel trap that were checked 3–4 times/week in April–July.
Cease livestock grazing: Grassland & shrubland

A replicated, randomized, controlled study in 1998–1999 in streams through pasture and associated riparian areas on farms in Pennsylvania, USA (Homyack & Giuliano 2002) found that excluding livestock grazing did not increase combined reptile and amphibian species richness or abundance within 1–3 years. Overall reptile and amphibian species richness and abundance, and overall snake and turtle abundances were similar between sites fenced to exclude livestock and unfenced grazed sites (results reported as statistical tests). Of three snake species detected, abundances were higher in fenced compared to unfenced sites for northern queen Regina septemvittata (fenced: 6 individuals/site; unfenced: 2) and eastern garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis (fenced: 5; unfenced: 2) and similar for northern water snake Nerodia sipedon (fenced: 5; unfenced: 4). Ten fenced and ungrazed and 10 unfenced and grazed streams and riparian areas (100 m long, 10–15 m wide) were compared on private farms. All ungrazed sites had been grazed until they were fenced to exclude livestock 1–2 years prior to 1998 (4-strand electric fence). Unfenced stream sites and surrounding pastures were grazed continuously with an average stocking rate of 0.4 animals/ha. Reptiles were monitored using drift fences with pitfall traps set perpendicular to streams, coverboards and opportunistically using hand captures. Traps were checked 3–4 times a week from April–July 1998 and 1999.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, Katie Sainsbury)