Impacts of off-highway motorized vehicle trails on the reptiles and vegetation of the Owyhee Front

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We used drift fences to trap reptiles near to and far from the off-road motorized vehicle (OHMV) trails in the Owyhee Front. We also assessed vegetation. We found that at the less intensively used OHMV site (Fossil Butte), there was a tendency for more reptiles to be found at 25 m from the trails than at 2 m from the trails. However, at the more intensively used site (Rabbit Creek), there was a tendency for more reptiles to be found at 2 m from the trail than at 25 m, but both were lower than at 100 m. Native shrubs, bunch grasses, and microbiotic crust were less prevalent closer to trails and at the more intensively used site. Cheatgrass and Chrysothamnus spp., both indicative of disturbance, were more prevalent closer to trails and at the more intensively used site. We largely ascribe the patterns in reptile density to the effects on vegetation. Dense cheatgrass prevents movement of reptiles, meaning that in disturbed areas, OHMV trails offer the only corridors available.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Herps

Additional information: The authors are with the Department of Biology, Boise State University. Research for report was funded by a Challenge Cost Share Agreement between U. S. Bureau of Land Management and Boise State University.

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation (with changes):
Munger JC, Barnett BR, Novak SJ, Ames AA. 2003. Impacts of off-highway motorized vehicle trails on the reptiles and vegetation of the Owyhee Front. Boise (ID): US Bureau of Land Management (US), Idaho State Office. Idaho BLM Technical Bulletin No.: 03-3.