Herpetofauna Richness, Diversity, and Occurrence at the Northern Ecotone of Longleaf Pine

Habitat suitability commonly differs between the core and periphery of ecosystems. The longleaf pine ecosystem is recognized for its value in providing habitat to a variety of specialist and endemic species, especially herpetofauna. However, at the northernmost extent of longleaf pine (in southeastern Virginia) little is known about the denizen reptiles and amphibians. Moreover, the remaining longleaf pine ecosystem at the latitudinal ecotone is fragmented amongst a mosaic of other ecosystems. We examined herpetofauna diversity, richness, and capture rates between four focal habitat types-mature longleaf pine, restored longleaf pine, maple-gum swamp, and pocosin-bog-in the Zuni Pine Barrens of southeastern Virginia. We present an examination of herpetofauna community in one of the only remnant stands of longleaf pine in Virginia. Our findings show that herpetofauna abundance and diversity were greatest in the maple-gum swamp, but the mature longleaf and restored longleaf areas did maintain both generalist and fire-tolerant species. Twenty-five species were found in the focal habitats of our study, with another nineteen incidental species found in nearby adjacent areas, including both fire-tolerant species and some species of special concern. This work highlights the variety of herpetofauna in this area and warrants further study to explore species diversity, abundance, ecotone impacts, and habitat preferences.