Title | Contribution of pits dug by goannas (Varanus gouldii) to the dynamics of banded mulga landscapes in eastern Australia |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1998 |
Authors | Whitford WG |
Journal | Journal of Arid Environments |
Volume | 40 |
Pagination | 453-457 |
Date Published | December 1, 1998 |
ARIS Log Number | 150367 |
Keywords | Australia, banded vegetation, goannas, grazing, landscapes, lizard, pits, seeds |
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•7m to the -2 degree) than in the groves and erosion slopes (M = 16•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. |
URL | /files/bibliography/645.pdf |
DOI | 10.1006/jare.1998.0464 |