Herpetofaunal species presence in buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) versus native vegetation‐dominated habitats at Uluṟu‐Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) habitats at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park support significantly higher herpetofaunal species richness compared to native vegetation-dominated areas, including Themeda grasses. Despite concerns about invasive species impacting biodiversity, this study found that buffel grass-dominated zones hosted more reptile and amphibian diversity than expected, though the relationship may be influenced by factors such as proximity to breeding sites or abiotic conditions rather than the grass itself. Researchers analyzed 26 sampling locations around Uluru using vegetation transects and pitfall traps, identifying five distinct vegetation communities and applying indicator species analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling to assess herpetofaunal patterns.

Dittmer, D. E., & Bidwell, J. R. (2017). Herpetofaunal species presence in buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) versus native vegetation‐dominated habitats at Uluṟu‐Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Austral Ecology, 43(2), 203–212. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12557