The Impact of Wildfires on Reptiles and Amphibians

by | Jan 24, 2025 | Herping, Herping Tours

Wildfires are happening more often because of climate change, and they can cause big problems for the environment and the animals that live there. People often talk about how fires affect humans, but we don’t hear much about how reptiles and amphibians lose their homes. For people who enjoy herping, it’s important to ask: How do these animals survive after a fire, and what can we learn from how they recover?

The Immediate Impact of Wildfires

Wildfires can be devastating for reptiles and amphibians, causing both immediate and long-term problems. Amphibians, which have delicate skin, are especially sensitive to heat and smoke, while reptiles can sometimes get trapped with no way to escape the fast-moving flames.

One of the biggest problems is that wildfires destroy habitats. Things like leaf litter, fallen logs, and burrows, which reptiles and amphibians use for hiding, staying cool, and protecting themselves, are often burned away. Without these safe spots, even animals that survive the fire might struggle to find food or avoid predators.

Water is another issue, especially for amphibians that need it to survive. After a fire, ponds and streams might dry up or become polluted with ash. For reptiles that need plants and ground cover for shelter, the open, burned landscape can make them easy targets for predators.

 

The Post-Fire Landscape

Despite the many challenges with wildfires, they can also create opportunities for some species. The open, sunlit spaces left behind by fires are ideal for basking reptiles like lizards and snakes. These sunny areas can help reptiles warm up more quickly, giving them an edge in finding food or escaping predators.

Additionally, the regrowth of plants after a fire often happens in stages, starting with small, fast-growing species. This regrowth attracts insects, which, in turn, provide food for reptiles and amphibians.

Reptiles and amphibians are incredibly resilient, and many have evolved to cope with disturbances like wildfires. Some species quickly move into newly opened habitats, while others retreat to unburned areas until the environment recovers. Over time, these adaptive strategies help populations bounce back.

 

How Herpers Can Help Post-Wildfire

Herpers can make a big difference for reptiles and amphibians after wildfires. Start by being careful in damaged areas, stay on trails, avoid disturbing unburned patches, and don’t handle animals unless absolutely necessary. Joining a herping tour can be a great way to document what species are coming back and share that info with scientists through apps like iNaturalist.

You can also help by volunteering for habitat restoration projects, like planting native plants or building shelters for herps. Finally, teach others about the importance of protecting wildlife and support efforts to prevent severe wildfires in the future. Small actions can go a long way in helping these animals recover.

Wildfires can cause serious harm to reptiles and amphibians, destroying their habitats and making survival difficult. However, these animals are incredibly resilient, often finding ways to adapt and recover in the aftermath of a fire. By understanding the challenges these creatures face and supporting their survival, we not only help protect wildlife but also ensure future generations can continue to experience the joy of herping in thriving natural landscapes.

 

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