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Fire frequency matters more than fire size: testing the pyrodiversity-biodiversity paradigm for at-risk small mammals in an Australian tropical savanna
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 17:38 authored by Griffiths, AD, Garnett, ST, Barry BrookBarry BrookPatch-mosaic burning is a widely accepted practical approach to managing biodiversity, whereby spatial and temporal diversity of fire is manipulated to benefit biotic diversity. We use simulation experiments based on stochastic population viability analysis to evaluate the implications of contrasting patch-mosaic burning scenarios for the population dynamics and risk of decline of four species of small mammals in northern Australia. Our results, based on models developed from detailed mark-recapture data, suggest that fire frequency has more influence on small-mammal persistence than fire extent. Risk of extinction increased for all four species when fire frequency exceeded once every five years. Under current ambient fire regimes most Australia tropical savannas burn more frequently and therefore seem to have unfavourable consequences for this faunal group and risk precipitating severe future declines.
History
Publication title
Biological ConservationVolume
186Pagination
337-346ISSN
0006-3207Department/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
Elsevier Sci LtdPlace of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox5 1GbRights statement
Crown Copyright ?2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Repository Status
- Restricted