Sj. Hecnar et Rt. Mcloskey, EFFECTS OF HUMAN DISTURBANCE ON 5-LINED SKINK, EUMECES FASCIATUS, ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION, Biological Conservation, 85(3), 1998, pp. 213-222
We studied the effects of human disturbance on five-lined skinks at Po
int Pelee National Park, Canada. Surveys indicated low skink abundance
and a lack of woody debris in areas heavily used by humans and a down
ward population trend concurrent with high disturbance levels. Skinks
preferentially used large moderately decayed logs and boards for refug
e sites. Human disturbance resulted in degradation and removal of debr
is. Degradation by fragmentation and accelerated decay resulted in dec
reased quality of available debris. To test the hypothesis that skink
absence in human high-use areas was caused by a lack of suitable debri
s, we placed artificial microhabitats in areas which previously lacked
woody debris and skinks. Experimental debris were colonized quickly a
nd heavily used despite high disturbance rates. Skinks are resilient t
o minor disturbances such as displacements, but not to removal or degr
adation of debris. Essential microhabitat features must be actively pr
eserved as well as suitable habitat to ensure the conservation of targ
et species. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.