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Fire incidence, but not fire size, affects macropod densities
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 08:11 authored by Jennifer StygerJennifer Styger, James KirkpatrickJames Kirkpatrick, Jonathan Marsden-SmedleyJonathan Marsden-Smedley, Steven LeonardSteven LeonardThe regeneration of plants post-fire has widely been shown to be attractive to vertebrate herbivores. However, there are few data relevant to the effect of fire size on herbivore densities. In dry eucalypt forest in one region and hummock sedgeland in another region, we used timed scat counts to test the effect of fire and fire size onTasmanian macropod densities 6 months after burning.We also tested whether soil characteristics and the nature of ground cover related to the degree of attractiveness of post-burn regeneration. Soil nutrients and higher covers of grasses and herbs in ground layer vegetation were associated with higher macropod densities. In dry eucalypt forest, fire incidence and fire size did not affect macropod density, while in hummock sedgeland, fire had a positive effect on macropod density, but fire size had no effect.
History
Publication title
Austral EcologyVolume
36Issue
6Pagination
679-686ISSN
1442-9985Department/School
School of Geography, Planning and Spatial SciencesPublisher
Blackwell Publishing AsiaPlace of publication
Carlton, VictoriaRights statement
Copyright © 2011. The definitive published version is available online at: http://www.interscience.wiley.comRepository Status
- Restricted