Numerical response of small vertebrates to prescribed fire in California oak woodland

Justin K. Vreeland; William D. Tietje

Treesearch

Numerical response of small vertebrates to prescribed fire in California oak woodland

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Justin K. Vreeland, William D. Tietje

Year:

2002

Type:

Other

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

In: Ford, W. Mark; Russell, Kevin R.; Moorman, Christopher E., eds. Proceedings: the role of fire for nongame wildlife management and community restoration: traditional uses and new directions. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-288. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station: 100-110.

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Abstract

Use of prescribed fire is increasing in California oak woodlands, but its effects on vertebrate wildlife are unknown. We conducted a light-intensity prescribed fire in mixed blue oak?coast live-oak woodlands in coastal-central California and assessed vegetation change and numerical response of small, nongame vertebrates to the fire. Four of 13 vegetation and habitat components that we measured were reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by the fire. We observed no change in relative abundance of small mammals, breeding birds, amphibians, or reptiles in response to the prescribed fire.

Parent Publication

Proceedings: the role of fire for nongame wildlife management and community restoration: traditional uses and new directions

Citation

Vreeland, Justin K.; Tietje, William D. 2002. Numerical response of small vertebrates to prescribed fire in California oak woodland. In: Ford, W. Mark; Russell, Kevin R.; Moorman, Christopher E., eds. Proceedings: the role of fire for nongame wildlife management and community restoration: traditional uses and new directions. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-288. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station: 100-110.