Brook B., and Griffiths A.D. (2004),
"Frillneck Lizard (Chlamydosaurua kingii) in Northern
Australia – determining optimal fire management regimes",
Akaya H.R., Burgman M.A., Kindvall O., Sjn-Gulve P., Hatfield J.
and McCarthy M.A.. (eds) Species conservation and Management: Case
Studies, Oxford University Press, New York.
This study is different to previous studies as
it models the impact of fire on habitats selected by frill necked
lizards and not the impact of fire on community composition. Two
types of fires were modelled in this study:- early dry and late dry
season fires.
Previous studies have indicated that hot, late season fires are
responsible for some lizard deaths whilst cool fires are not known
to have any effect on mortality rates. Both types of fire increase
habitat quality for the frill neck lizard. Five different fire
management scenarios were modelled.
The results indicate that when habitat is exposed to fire once
every second year the population of frill neck lizards will
decrease by 50% mainly due to an increase in fuel loads caused by
the spread of introduced grasses such as Gamba (Andropogon
gayanensis).
The authors conclude that to maintain frill neck
lizard populations early dry season fires are a preferred option,
and when late dry season fires are unavoidable, country should be
managed so that fires don't occur more than once every three
years.
