EFFECTS OF HUMAN DISTURBANCE ON 5-LINED SKINK, EUMECES FASCIATUS, ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

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.