Fire Effects on Reptiles and Amphibians

Little research has been conducted on the effects of fire on amphibians and reptiles, as compared to birds and mammals. Evidence that does exist suggests that there are few injuries and deaths caused directly by fire. As with other animal groups, the habitat changes caused by fire influence reptile and amphibian populations more than fire itself. These habitat changes, in general, tend to have either a nuetral or positive effect on amphibian and reptile populations.

The following sections from Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on fauna (Smith 2000) synthesize research on amphibian and reptiles and fire from all regions of the U.S.

• Injury and Mortality in Reptiles and Amphibians
• Emmigration and Immigration in Reptiles and Amphibians
• Fire Effects on Reptile and Amphibian Populations

Information on the effects of fire on the following reptile species is also available in the Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) of the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station. Where indicated, additional information is available in the Encyclopedia of Southern Fire Science.