@article {51258, title = {Contribution of pits dug by goannas (Varanus gouldii) to the dynamics of banded mulga landscapes in eastern Australia}, journal = {Journal of Arid Environments}, volume = {40}, number = {4}, year = {1998}, month = {December 1, 1998}, pages = {453-457}, abstract = {

The densities of pits made by goannas Varanus gouldii were estimated in the three distinct zones of banded mulga landscapes (erosion slope, interception zone, and mulga grove) in paddocks of a grazing study in northwestern New South Wales, Australia. In lightly and moderately grazed paddocks, soil pits were significantly more abundant in the interception zones (M = 119{\textbullet}7m to the -2 degree) than in the groves and erosion slopes (M = 16{\textbullet}m to the -2 degree). In the overgrazed paddock, there were no differences in densities of pits in any of the zones. In the groves and erosion slopes, approximately 70-80\% of the pits contained litter, seeds, and fruits. However, on the erosion slopes, less than 20\% of the pits contained litter and seeds. The data support the hypothesis that soil disturbance by Varanus lizards produces a positive feedback mechanism for the viability of the interception zone and the functioning of banded vegetation landscapes.

}, keywords = {Australia, banded vegetation, goannas, grazing, landscapes, lizard, pits, seeds}, doi = {10.1006/jare.1998.0464}, url = {/files/bibliography/645.pdf}, author = {Walter G. Whitford} }