Using Drift Fence Arrays to Compare Terrestrial Herpetofauna Diversity in Three Habitats at Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma

摘要

Unlike avifauna, which have been inventoried and monitored for decades at Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, OK, herpetofauna have had few targeted inventories on the refuge. Therefore, in 2010 we established 6 permanent drift fence arrays to expand the current knowledge on the terrestrial herpetofauna present within the refuge. The arrays were in operation for a total of 105 nights over 5 years (2010-2014), capturing 1122 vertebrates including 12 anuran, 1 salamander, 13 snake, 5 lizard, and 2 turtle species. The surveys resulted in the discovery of 5 new amphibian species as well as a new mammal species on the refuge. By placing arrays across 3 different habitat types, we were able to compare and determine that there were differences in species diversity and relative abundance across those habitats. The results have shown the richness of herpetofauna in the area has been underestimated. The study also indicates that a preserve established for the conservation of one particular species group (waterfowl and neotropical migratory birds) can have appreciable diversity of another vertebrate group.