Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-2002

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Major Professor

Ralph W. Dimmick

Committee Members

David Buehler, Craig Harper, Charles Pless

Abstract

The effects of season of fire on macroinvertebrate abundance and biomass were studied in a relatively undisturbed longleaf pine-wiregrass (Pinus palustris-Aristida beyrichiana) community at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The objective was to determine how season of fire affected invertebrate abundance and biomass and to relate these effects to wild turkey (Meleagris gallopaw) and northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) brood habitat management. Invertebrates were collected using a terrestrial vacuum sampler (D-Vac ®) during the wild turkey and northern bobwhite brood season (April-September) during 1996-97. Treatment plots were burned in May, July, and December of 1996. Total invertebrate abundance (no. invertebrates/transect) and biomass (g invertebrates/transect) were greater in July and unburned plots during the first year. Abundance in May-burned plots attained or surpassed abundance in unburned plots within 2 months after burning. Invertebrate abundance in July-burned plots recovered to that of unburned plots 1 month after burning, while biomass required 2 months to reach levels of unburned plots. May-burned plots had greater overall abundance and biomass than all other treatments 1 year after burning. Plots burned in December of the previous year had the lowest overall abundance and biomass of all treatments 1 year after burning. Overall abundance and biomass of Orthopterans were greater in May-burned plots than all other treatments 1 year after burning. Overall abundance and biomass of Homopterans were greater in plots burned in May and July and unburned plots 1 year after burning. Overall abundance of Coleopterans was greater in July-burned plots and unburned plots 1 year after burning. However, no differences were detected for biomass among treatments. Overall Hymenopteran abundance was greater in May-burned plots than in all other treatments in the year burned and also 1 year after burning. Few relationships were detected between invertebrate abundance and biomass and vegetation composition. Treatment had the greatest impact on invertebrate abundance and biomass. Results indicated that growing-season fire had a short-term negative effect on invertebrate abundance and biomass, but recovered to levels of unburned plots within 2 months after burning. In terms of invertebrates, growing-season fire in longleaf pine-wiregrass stands appears to be compatible with wild turkey and northern bobwhite brood habitat when compared to dormant-season bums or no-burn treatments. The potential negative effects of growing-season fire on nesting and poult and chick production, however, must be considered when applying growing-season fire in wild turkey and northern bobwhite brood habitat.

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