Effects of Tamarix removal on the community dynamics of riparian birds in a semiarid grassland

Invasion of riparian habitats by non‐native plants is a global problem that requires an understanding of community‐level responses by native plants and animals. In the Great Plains, resource managers have initiated efforts to control the eastward incursion of Tamarix as a non‐native bottomland plant (Tamarix ramosissima) along the Cimarron River in southwestern Kansas, United States. To understand how native avifauna interact with non‐native plants, we studied the effects of Tamarix removal on riparian bird communities. We compared avian site occupancy of three foraging guilds, abundance of four nesting guilds, and assessed community dynamics with dynamic, multiseason occupancy models across three replicated treatments. Community parameters were estimated for Tamarix‐dominated sites (untreated), Tamarix‐removal sites (treated), and reference sites with native cottonwood sites (Populus deltoides). Estimates of initial occupancy (ψ₂₀₀₆) for the ground‐to‐shrub foraging guild tended to be highest at Tamarix‐dominated sites, while initial occupancy of the upper‐canopy foraging and mid‐canopy foraging guilds were highest in the treated and reference sites, respectively. Estimates of relative abundance for four nesting guilds indicated that the reference habitat supported the highest relative abundance of birds overall, although the untreated habitat had higher abundance of shrub‐nesters than treated or reference habitats. Riparian sites where invasive Tamarix is dominant in the Great Plains can provide nesting habitat for some native bird species, with avian abundance and diversity that are comparable to remnant riparian sites with native vegetation. Moreover, presence of some native vegetation in Tamarix‐dominated and Tamarix‐removal sites may increase abundance of riparian birds such as cavity‐nesters. Overall, our study demonstrates that Tamarix may substitute for native flora in providing nesting habitat for riparian birds at the eastern edge of its North American range.     

Frugivore behaviour determines plant distribution: a spatially‐explicit analysis of a plant‐disperser interaction

The spatial distribution of plants (and other primarily sessile organisms) depends on the interplay between their ecological requirements and the spatial template set before, during, and after the dispersal process. In the case of animal‐dispersed plants, the spatial characteristics of animal behaviour during the seed dispersal process are likely to leave a lasting imprint on plant distribution. Here, we hypothesize that the activity patterns of the frugivorous lizard Podarcis lilfordi directly influence the spatial distribution of the fleshy‐fruited shrub Daphne rodriguezii. To evaluate this hypothesis, we first analysed lizard activity, following radio‐tracked lizards during the plant's fruiting period, and identified its main determinants at several spatial scales of habitat aggregation (from 12.5 to 150 m). We hypothesised that lizard activity depends on differential habitat features explaining its territory use plus habitat preferences associated with each movement bout. In a second step, the most important determinants of lizard activity plus the variables describing habitat structure were used to predict the presence of adult and juvenile plants. Predictability of lizard activity (based on AUC and Pearson regression coefficients) was higher at broad spatial‐scales of habitat aggregation (75 m). The two best predictors of lizard activity were the habitat features of and the distance to the core area (defined as the area enclosing the 0.50 cumulative probability of lizard locations). Plant presence was best predicted by models based on a combination of lizard activity and habitat features at local spatial scales (1.5 m). Best models included habitat features and lizard activity for adult plants, and local‐scale habitat features, the proximity of adult plants and lizard activity for juveniles. In both cases, most plants (50–60%) were located at ‘optimal sites’ (both favourable for lizards and with adequate habitat features), whereas a small fraction of them (3–10%) were located at dispersal‐limited sites (i.e. with adequate habitat features but suboptimal for lizards). Our results thus suggest that the interplay between lizard activity and local habitat features determines the spatial patterns of juvenile‐plant presence and leaves a lasting signature on adult‐plant distribution.     

Road edge effect on the abundance of the lizard <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gallotia galloti</Emphasis> (Sauria: Lacertidae) in two Canary Islands forests

Transportation infrastructure is a main cause of environmental change in forest landscapes worldwide. In the Canary Islands, a dense road system fragment the native Canarian pine and laurel forests causing potential changes in population densities of endemic lacertid lizards (genus Gallotia). Our aim was to assess road edge effects on relative abundance patterns of the endemic Gallotia galloti in both forests. We also explored the species–habitat relationships in this road-fragmentation context. We found that lizard relative density in relation to road edges differed between forests. Lizards were more abundant along edges and leeward interior, but virtually absent from the interior of the windward laurel forest. In the pine forest, lizards were present at three distances from edge, with a net decrease in abundance from edge to interior. These patterns may be explained partly by differences in vegetation structure regarding road proximity in each forest that potentially affect the helio- and thigmothermic character of G. galloti, and thus its habitat use. A general suggestion of this study is that road margins create corridors that may be used by native lizards for dispersal through inhospitable forest matrix. The high road density in Tenerife may have negative implications for the conservation of the genetic variability of G. galloti. At the island scale, increased communication between lizard populations through road corridors might increase homogenization of the gene pool. Ecological processes in which this lizard plays important roles may also experience changes along road edges.     

Chainsawing for conservation: Ecologically informed tree removal for habitat management

Summary In many ecosystems, increases in vegetation density and the resulting closure of forest canopies are threatening the viability of species that depend upon open, sunlight‐exposed habitats. Consequently, we need to develop management strategies that recreate open habitats while minimizing the impacts on non‐target areas. Selective logging creates canopy gaps, but may result in undesirable effects in other respects. Thus, chainsaws have not been a popular tool for conservation. We conducted a landscape‐scale experiment to test whether selective tree removal can restore patch‐level habitat quality for Australia’s most endangered snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) and its main prey (the lizard Oedura lesueurii). We selectively removed canopy trees surrounding 25 overgrown rock outcrops and compared the resultant habitat structure and abiotic conditions to 30 overgrown, shady outcrops and 20 open, sunny outcrops. Removing vegetation decreased canopy cover by 19% in experimental plots and increased incident radiation and thermal regimes. These changes increased the availability of suitable shelter sites for our target species by 131%. At the landscape scale, our manipulations had a trivial effect on forest habitat; by increasing the area of sun‐exposed outcrops, we decreased forest cover by <0.1%. Our results show that targeted canopy removal can increase the availability of sun‐exposed habitat patches for endangered species in biologically meaningful ways. Thus, selective tree felling may be an effective conservation tool for open‐habitat specialists threatened by vegetation overgrowth.     

Effects of long‐term fox baiting on species composition and abundance in an Australian lizard community

Abstract We report on the effects of almost a decade of 1080‐fox baiting on a lizard community in a mosaic Australian habitat. Replicated comparisons of baited versus non‐baited control areas with near‐identical histories of bush fires, grazing and climate showed a higher density of red fox tracks (Canis vulpes) in the non‐baited areas. Furthermore, the fox‐baited areas showed a more than five times higher density of sand goannas (Varanus gouldii), a species that strongly overlaps the red fox in food niche breadth and is itself a direct target of fox predation, in particular its eggs and young. Exclusion of predators from a natural habitat led to significant increases in the density of small lizards, suggesting that predation can drive lizard population dynamics in this ecosystem. Replicated pitfall‐trapping in three habitats in the control areas (with high fox and low goanna density) versus the baited areas (with low fox and high goanna density) showed that fox baiting had positive effects on the density of diurnal scincid lizards in open grassland, whereas the control areas showed higher density of nocturnal gecko lizards. Our interpretation is that fox removal may result in a shift in the top predator towards the sand goanna. Historically, this indigenous, endemic species was the natural top predator. It has co‐evolved with its prey and that may have moulded it into a more efficient lizard predator per encounter than the introduced fox.     

Biogeochemical and Microbial Legacies of Non‐Native Grasses Can Affect Restoration Success

The restoration of disturbed ecosystems is challenging and often unsuccessful, particularly when non‐native plants are abundant. Ecosystem restoration may be hindered by the effects of non‐native plants on soil biogeochemical characteristics and microbial communities that persist even after plants are removed. To examine the importance of soil legacy effects, we used experimental restorations of Florida shrubland habitat that had been degraded by the introduction of non‐native grasses coupled with either mechanical disturbance or pasture conversion. We removed non‐native grasses and inoculated soils with native microbial communities at each degraded site, then examined how habitat structure, soil nitrogen, soil microbial abundances, and native seed germination responded over two years compared to undisturbed native sites. Grass removal treatments effectively restored some aspects of native habitat structure, including decreased exotic grass cover, increased bare ground, and reduced litter cover. Soil fungal abundance was also somewhat restored by grass removals, but soil algal abundance was unaffected. In addition, grass removal and microbial inoculation improved seed germination rates in degraded sites, but these remained quite low compared to native sites. High soil nitrogen persisted throughout the experiment regardless of treatment. Many treatment effects were site‐specific, however, with legacies in the more degraded vegetation type tending to be more difficult to overcome. These results support the need for context‐dependent restoration approaches and suggest that the degree of soil legacy effects may be a good indicator of restoration potential.     

Aegean wall lizards switch foraging modes,diet, and morphology in a human‐built environment

Foraging mode is a functional trait with cascading impacts on ecological communities. The foraging syndrome hypothesis posits a suite of concurrent traits that vary with foraging mode; however, comparative studies testing this hypothesis are typically interspecific. While foraging modes are often considered typological for a species when predicting foraging‐related traits or mode‐specific cascading impacts, intraspecific mode switching has been documented in some lizards. Mode‐switching lizards provide an opportunity to test foraging syndromes and explore how intraspecific variability in foraging mode might affect local ecological communities.Because lizard natural history is intimately tied to habitat use and structure, I tested for mode switching between populations of the Aegean wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii, inhabiting undisturbed habitat and human‐built rock walls on the Greek island of Naxos. I observed foraging behavior among 10 populations and tested lizard morphological and performance predictions at each site. Furthermore, I investigated the diet of lizards at each site relative to the available invertebrate community.I found that lizards living on rock walls were significantly more sedentary—sit and wait—than lizards at nonwall sites. I also found that head width increased in females and the ratio of hindlimbs to forelimbs in both sexes increased as predicted. Diet also changed, with nonwall lizards consuming a higher proportion of sedentary prey. Lizard bite force also varied significantly between sites; however, the pattern observed was opposite to that predicted, suggesting that bite force in these lizards may more closely relate to intraspecific competition than to diet.This study demonstrates microgeographic variability in lizard foraging mode as a result of human land use. In addition, these results demonstrate that foraging mode syndromes can shift intraspecifically with potential cascading effects on local ecological communities.     

Refuge sites used by the scincid lizard Tiliqua rugosa

Abstract We examined microhabitat use by the Australian scincid lizard Tiliqua rugosa (the sleepy lizard) in chenopod shrubland. Thirty radiotagged lizards were followed during their spring period of activity (September–November 2000). Characteristics of refuges used by the lizards were compared with the perennial woody plants in 10 10 m × 10 m randomly located quadrats at each of the three sites in the study area. We found that sleepy lizards used multiple refuge sites. Perennial woody bushes constituted an important habitat component for both active and inactive lizards. Use of refuge sites by the lizards was non‐random. They used large bushes with foliage in contact with the ground (‘dome shaped’), and they sheltered under thorny bushes more frequently than expected if choice was random. Bushes that were used repeatedly tended to be larger and were more likely to be dome‐shaped. Under these large and dome‐shaped bushes, daytime temperatures were lower than under smaller bushes. Refuge use was modified as the season progressed, with lizards using larger bushes and a greater proportion of dome‐shaped bushes later in the season. We suggest that sleepy lizards are modifying their refuge site use as ambient temperatures increase, based on microclimatic needs, implying an ability to discriminate among bushes.     

The effects of riparian restoration following saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) biocontrol on habitat and herpetofauna along a desert stream

Amphibians and reptiles (herpetofauna) have been linked to specific microhabitat characteristics, microclimates, and water resources in riparian forests. Our objective was to relate variation in herpetofauna abundance to changes in habitat caused by a beetle used for Tamarix biocontrol (Diorhabda carinulata; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and riparian restoration. During 2013 and 2014, we measured vegetation and monitored herpetofauna via trapping and visual encounter surveys (VES) at locations affected by biocontrol along the Virgin River in the Mojave Desert of the southwestern United States. Twenty‐one sites were divided into four riparian stand types based on density and percent cover of dominant trees (Tamarix, Prosopis, Populus, and Salix) and presence or absence of restoration. Restoration activities consisted of mechanically removing non‐native trees, transplanting native trees, and restoring hydrologic flows. Restored sites had three times more total lizard and eight times more yellow‐backed spiny lizard (Sceloporus uniformis) captures than other stand types. Woodhouse's toad (Anaxyrus woodhousii) captures were greatest in unrestored and restored Tam‐Pop/Sal sites. Results from VES indicated that herpetofauna abundance was greatest in the restored Tam‐Pop/Sal site compared with the adjacent unrestored Tam‐Pop/Sal site. Tam sites were characterized by having high Tamarix cover, percent canopy cover, and shade. Restored Tam‐Pop/Sal sites were most similar in habitat to Tam‐Pop/Sal sites. Two species of herpetofauna (spiny lizard and toad) were found to prefer habitat components characteristic of restored Tam‐Pop/Sal sites. Restored sites likely supported higher abundances of these species because restoration activities reduced canopy cover, increased native tree density, and restored surface water.     

Environmental and vegetation variables have a greater influence than habitat fragmentation in structuring lizard communities in remnant urban bushland

Abstract The expansion of urban areas and adjacent farming land into natural landscapes modifies habitats and produces small isolated pockets of native vegetation. This fragmentation of the natural habitat subdivides animal communities, reduces population sizes and increases vulnerability to extinction. In this paper we investigate whether fragmentation decreases lizard species richness, composition, overall abundance and abundance at the species level. Urban remnants consisting of five small (< 10 ha) and four large (> 10 ha) fragments of natural bushland were paired with continuous bushland areas located near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. These remnants were surveyed six times, using pitfall traps, from November 2001 to March 2002. Lizard species richness and abundance were not significantly influenced by habitat fragmentation or fragment size. Egernia whitii was the only lizard species significantly influenced by fragment size, and was only present in large fragments and continuous bush. Vegetation type and structure as well as environmental variables (geology and aspect) influenced the structure of reptile communities. Lizard species that were able to use a number of different habitat types were found to persist at most sites, irrespective of fragment size. Edge environment did not significantly influence lizard species richness or abundance in remnant areas. Lizard species richness was significantly lower in sites that had a high ratio of exotic to native plant species. Therefore, if remnants continue to be invaded by exotic plants, lizard species that require native plant communities will become increasingly vulnerable to local extinction. Our results suggest that lizard species requiring specialized habitats, such as E. whitii, may persist in large urban remnants rather than small urban remnants because large reserves are more likely to encompass rare habitats, such as rocky outcrops. Habitat heterogeneity, rather than size, may be the key to their persistence.     

Juxtaposition and Disturbance: Disentangling the Determinants of Lizard Community Structure

Disturbance alters the structure and dynamics of communities. Here, we examined the effects of seasonal flooding on the lizard community structure by comparing two adjacent habitats, a seasonally flooded and a non‐flooded forest, in a Cerrado–Amazon ecotone area, the Cantão State Park, Tocantins state, Brazil. Despite the strong potential impact of seasonal flooding, the only significant environmental difference detected was more termite mounds in non‐flooded forests. Species richness was significantly higher in the non‐flooded forest. Colobosaura modesta, followed by Mabuya frenata and Anolis brasiliensis, were the only species that differed in number of captures between sites. Colobosaura modesta was exclusively found in the non‐flooded forest, while Anolis brasiliensis was the most captured in the flooded forest. Mabuya frenata is indicated as an indicator species in the flooded forest, and Colobosaura modesta in the non‐flooded forest. We found a significant association between lizard abundances and habitat characteristics, with flooding, canopy cover, and logs being the best predictors. A phylogenetic community structure analysis indicated a lack of structure in both lizard assemblages. Overall, we show that seasonal flooding can strongly impact species richness and species occurrence patterns, but not phylogenetic community structure. The Amazon–Cerrado transition is undergoing pronounced transformations due to deforestation and climate change. Despite being species‐poor compared with central areas in Amazon or Cerrado, this ecotone harbors species with important adaptations that could hold the key to persistence in human‐disturbed landscapes or during periods of climate change.     

Does Eucalyptus grandis invasion and removal affect soils and vegetation in the Eastern Cape Province,South Africa?

Many invasive alien plants drive changes in native community composition, structure and diversity. They alter soil nutrient regimes of native communities and affect native plant recovery outcomes following their removal. We assessed whether Eucalyptus grandis invasion and removal alters the soil physico‐chemical properties and native vegetation recovery in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. We collected samples from topsoil in E. grandis invaded sites (canopy cover > 75%), cleared sites (eight years ago) and native sites (canopy cover > 80%) and quantified soil moisture, concentrations of soil macro elements (N, C and P), pH and exchangeable cations (K, Ca, Mg, Na) as well as measured soil water repellency using the Water Droplet Penetration Time and infiltration. We conducted vegetation surveys in plots measuring 10 × 10 m. Invasion by E. grandis had varying effects on soil physico‐chemical properties, causing increase in soil pH and P, while decreasing total N and C. The removal of E. grandis also showed varying effects on soil physico‐chemical properties, but seems to have further triggered the loss of some soil nutrients (especially soil P). Soil water repellency (a measure of soil compaction) has improved in cleared sites to non‐repellent soils compared to repellent soils in invaded site. Eucalyptus grandis reduced species richness of the invaded sites. The presence of native species on cleared sites indicates a positive trajectory towards vegetation recovery. We conclude that E. grandis invasion and removal trigger varying effects on soil properties (both increases and decreases). For soil and vegetation restoration of cleared sites to be effective, active restoration techniques such as soil transfer, nutrient manipulation and native plant seeding should be considered.     

Spatial ecology of bluetongue lizards (Tiliqua spp.) in the Australian wet–dry tropics

New technologies for quantifying animal locations enable us to document habitat‐selection patterns of cryptic taxa in extraordinary detail. Northern bluetongues (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) and centralian bluetongues (Tiliqua multifasciata) are large heavy‐bodied scincid lizards that are broadly sympatric in the wet–dry tropics of north‐western Australia. We used data from GPS‐based radiotelemetry (n = 49 lizards, tracked for 2–121 days, total n = 61 640 locations) to examine the size, internal structure and overlap of lizard home ranges. Despite substantial habitat differences at our two study sites (semi‐arid and relatively pristine habitat at Keep River National Park, Northern Territory, vs. highly disturbed and fragmented flood plain habitat in an agricultural area near Kununurra, Western Australia), home ranges were similar between the two areas, and between the two species. Our radio‐tracked lizards continued to disperse into previously unused areas throughout the duration of the study, so that the total areas used by lizards continued to increase. Based on the minimum convex polygon method, total home ranges averaged 4 ha (range 2–12 ha), but only about two‐thirds of each home range was used intensively. Each home range had multiple core areas, and overlap of core as well as peripheral areas (especially with same‐sex conspecifics) was high at the disturbed (Western Australia) site where lizard densities were high. The concentration of lizard activity within small core areas, often used by multiple individuals, suggests that these heavily used sites are critical to lizard conservation. However, the lizards' infrequent long‐distance displacements also make them vulnerable to changes in the wider landscape mosaic. Because GPS‐based radiotelemetry can quantify habitat use at finer spatial and temporal scales than earlier technologies, it can provide a robust base for management of at‐risk fauna.     

Fate of epiphytes on phorophytes with different architectural characteristics along the perturbation gradient of Sabal mexicana forests in Veracruz,Mexico

Question: Vascular epiphytes and hemiepiphytes (E/HE) in neotropical forests account for a large fraction of plant richness, but little is known of how the interplay between phorophyte architectural characteristics and habitat perturbation affect communities of E/HE. Location: Sabal mexicana forests in a coastal area of Veracruz, Mexico. Methods: We compared communities of E/HE on phorophytes with different architectural characteristics – the palm S. mexicana and non‐palm phorophytes – in three environments: conserved sites, perturbed sites and small regenerated forest fragments. We combined traditional (abundance, species richness, similarity and complementarity indices) and more recent (phylogenetic diversity) metrics to describe the communities of E/HE. Results: Overall, we recorded 924 E/HE individuals (nine families, 16 genera and 21 species). The abundance and species richness of E/HE was higher on palms than on non‐palm phorophytes. Abundance‐based complementarities between phorophytes and sites were high. We detected clear changes in community structure of E/HE with habitat perturbation, but there were no effects on the phylogenetic diversity of the E/HE community. Palm phorophytes hosted a more phylogenetically diverse community of E/HE than did non‐palm phorophytes. Conclusions: Palm phorophytes are key elements supporting the conservation of resilient communities of E/HE in S. mexicana forest. Habitat fragmentation has a strong effect on the structure of the E/HE community in S. mexicana forests. Ferns are the group of epiphytes most severely affected by habitat perturbation, but we detected no significant effect on the phylogenetic diversity of the community.     

栖息地荒漠化对蜥蜴群落组成的影响

栖息地改变往往对动物群落及其物种多样性有重要影响,但是目前关于栖息地荒漠化如何影响蜥蜴的群落组成鲜有研究。在内蒙古自治区鄂尔多斯市准格尔旗和达拉特旗地区通过样线法调查了三类不同荒漠化程度样地上的蜥蜴群落组成差异,用典范对应分析探究了关键的影响因素。结果表明,栖息地荒漠化使蜥蜴的群落组成发生显著变化,从固定沙丘、半固定沙丘到流动沙丘,草原沙蜥均是蜥蜴群落的优势物种,密点麻蜥逐渐减少,丽斑麻蜥则消失于荒漠化严重的半固定沙丘和流动沙丘中。随栖息地荒漠化程度的增加,蜥蜴的数量显著减少,密度显著降低,蜥蜴物种的丰富度、香农-威纳(Shannon-Weaver)多样性指数和皮洛(Pielou)均匀性指数均逐次显著下降,而辛普森(Simpson)优势度指数则逐次显著升高。这说明荒漠化不仅使蜥蜴群落组成变得简单,同时造成了蜥蜴物种多样性的下降甚至丧失。荒漠化也使蜥蜴的栖息条件发生显著变化。植被高度、油蒿比例、裸地比例、隐蔽度、表层土壤含水量和表层土壤孔隙度在三类栖息样地之间均存在极显著差异。典范对应分析结果表明,这些环境因子与蜥蜴群落组成的变化密切相关。总体而言,草原沙蜥偏好裸地,密点麻蜥偏好隐蔽性好且土壤湿润又疏松的区域,而丽斑麻蜥则偏好植被高的区域。     

Distributions of lizard species across edges delimiting open‐forest and sand‐mined areas

Abstract The distributions of lizards across habitat edges delimiting open‐forest and regenerating sand‐mined areas as a function of distance from the edge were studied at Tomago, New South Wales, Australia. Pitfall‐trapping was used to survey lizards across the northern edges of four forest fragments, to determine if lizards displayed characteristic responses across the edge, and whether these could be explained by the different habitat conditions. At each site, 11 equally spaced drift fences (each parallel to the edge) were arranged in a transect running perpendicular to the edge, and stretching 50 m into each habitat type. Captures of Amphibolurus muricatus (Agamidae) decreased substantially across the edge from the mine‐path to the forest so that it was identified as a mine‐path specialist lizard species. Captures of two skink species decreased across the mine‐path before reaching the edge, and were not caught (Ctenotus taeniolatus) or were seldom caught (Ctenotus robustus) in the forest, so they were identified as mine‐path specialist, edge avoiding, lizard species. Captures of Lampropholis delicata (Scincidae) increased across edges into the forest, consistent with the expectation for a forest specialist. Regression analyses indicated the responses to edges of three lizard species (A. muricatus, C. robustus and C. taeniolatus) were negatively correlated with canopy cover (probably due to its influence on temperature, as captures of A. muricatus and C. robustus were also correlated positively with mean daily temperature). In addition, the response of C. robustus correlated negatively with a vegetation factor (dense, even vegetation in the first 50 cm from ground level). The response of L. delicata correlated positively with understorey height. We have identified edge response strategies for four species of lizards across edges delimiting temperate open‐forest and mined areas, and identified habitat and microclimate variables that may have driven these responses.     

Rethinking Avian Response to Tamarix on the Lower Colorado River: A Threshold Hypothesis

Many of the world’s large river systems have been greatly altered in the past century due to river regulation, agriculture, and invasion of introduced Tamarix spp. (saltcedar, tamarisk). These riverine ecosystems are known to provide important habitat for avian communities, but information on responses of birds to differing levels of Tamarix is not known. Past research on birds along the Colorado River has shown that avian abundance in general is greater in native than in non‐native habitat. In this article, we address habitat restoration on the lower Colorado River by comparing abundance and diversity of avian communities at a matrix of different amounts of native and non‐native habitats at National Wildlife Refuges in Arizona. Two major patterns emerged from this study: (1) Not all bird species responded to Tamarix in a similar fashion, and for many bird species, abundance was highest at intermediate Tamarix levels (40–60%), suggesting a response threshold. (2) In Tamarix‐dominated habitats, the greatest increase in bird abundance occurred when small amounts of native vegetation were present as a component of that habitat. In fact, Tamarix was the best vegetation predictor of avian abundance when compared to vegetation density and canopy cover. Our results suggest that to positively benefit avian abundance and diversity, one cost‐effective way to rehabilitate larger monoculture Tamarix stands would be to add relatively low levels of native vegetation (～20–40%) within homogenous Tamarix habitat. In addition, this could be much more cost effective and feasible than attempting to replace all Tamarix with native vegetation.     

The effects of fire on the frillneck lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) in northern Australia

Abstract A population of frillneck lizards, Chlamydosaurus kingii, was monitored by radio telemetry and mark-recapture techniques between April 1991 and April 1994, as part of a landscape-scale fire experiment, in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. The study aimed to investigate both the short- and longer-term effects of fire on a lizard species in a tropical savanna where fires are frequent and often annual. Frillneck lizards are able to survive fires that occur in the first few months of the dry season by remaining perched in trees. A high level of mortality (29%) occurred during late dry-season fires, along with changes in their behavioural response to fire: sheltering in either larger trees or hollow termite mounds. Food is more accessible after fires due to the removal of ground vegetation. This is reflected in greater volume and diversity of prey in stomach contents after fires. This increase is more pronounced after late dry-season fires, possibly due to increased accessibility of prey caused by more complete vegetation removal. Frillneck lizards show an overall preference for trees with a dense canopy cover located in an area with a low density of grass. Fire has an effect on this relationship. Frillneck lizards in habitat unburnt for a number of years tend to perch in trees with a smaller canopy, whereas lizards in annually burnt habitat perch in trees with a dense canopy. Volume and composition of lizard stomach contents was broadly similar among fire treatments over a 2 year period, although termites were more predominant in stomach contents of lizards in unburnt habitat. Wet-season body condition is lower in lizards from unburnt habitat, although the reason for this is unclear. These results demonstrate the importance of different fire intensities and regimes on the ecology of a lizard species in a tropical savanna.     

The distribution and habitat associations of non‐native plant species in urban riparian habitats

Questions: 1. What are the distribution and habitat associations of non‐native (neophyte) species in riparian zones? 2. Are there significant differences, in terms of plant species diversity, composition, habitat condition and species attributes, between plant communities where non‐natives are present or abundant and those where non‐natives are absent or infrequent? 3. Are the observed differences generic to non‐natives or do individual non‐native species differ in their vegetation associations? Location: West Midlands Conurbation (WMC), UK. Methods: 56 sites were located randomly on four rivers across the WMC. Ten 2 m × 2 m quadrats were placed within 15 m of the river to sample vegetation within the floodplain at each site. All vascular plants were recorded along with site information such as surrounding land use and habitat types. Results: Non‐native species were found in many vegetation types and on all rivers in the WMC. There were higher numbers of non‐natives on more degraded, human‐modified rivers. More non‐native species were found in woodland, scrub and tall herb habitats than in grasslands. We distinguish two types of communities with non‐natives. In communities colonized following disturbance, in comparison to quadrats containing no non‐native species, those with non‐natives had higher species diversity and more forbs, annuals and shortlived monocarpic perennials. Native species in quadrats containing non‐natives were characteristic of conditions of higher fertility and pH, had a larger specific leaf area and were less stress tolerant or competitive. In later successional communities dominated by particular non‐natives, native diversity declined with increasing cover of non‐natives. Associated native species were characteristic of low light conditions. Conclusions: Communities containing non‐natives can be associated with particular types of native species. Extrinsic factors (disturbance, eutrophication) affected both native and non‐native species. In disturbed riparian habitats the key determinant of diversity is dominance by competitive invasive species regardless of their native or non‐native origin.     

Habitat attribute similarities reduce impacts of land‐use conversion on seed removal

Changes in land use strongly influence habitat attributes (e.g., herbaceous ground cover and tree richness) and can consequently affect ecological functions. Most studies have focused on the response of these ecological functions to land‐use changes within only a single vegetation type. These studies have often focused solely on agricultural conversion of forests, making it nearly impossible to draw general conclusions across other vegetation types or with other land‐use changes (e.g., afforestation). We examined the consequences of agricultural conversion for seed removal by ants in native grassland, savanna, and savanna‐forest habitats that had been transformed to planted pastures (Brachiaria decumbens) and tree plantations (Eucalyptus spp.) and explored if changes in seed removal were correlated with differences in habitat attributes between habitat types. We found that land‐use changes affected seed removal across the tree cover gradient and that the magnitude of impact was influenced by similarity in habitat attributes between native and converted habitats, being greater where there was afforestation (Eucalyptus spp in grassland and savanna). Herbaceous ground cover, soil hardness, and tree richness were the most important habitat attributes that correlated with differences in seed removal. Our results reveal that the magnitude of impact of land‐use changes on seed removal varies depending on native vegetation type and is associated with the type of habitat attribute change. Our findings have implications for biodiversity in tropical grassy systems: afforestation can have a greater detrimental impact on ecological function than tree loss.