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Coordination through databases can improve prescribed burning as a conservation tool to promote forest biodiversity
Ellinor Ramberg1, Joachim Strengbom1, Gustaf Granath2,3
1Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7044, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
Ambio
|November 12, 2017
Summary
Prescribed fires in Sweden are limited but crucial for conservation and fire-dependent species. A national fire database could improve coordination and management of these vital ecological events.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and Conservation Science
- Forest Management
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Prescribed fires are a common nature conservation tool, yet often lack coordination and consideration for wildfire dynamics and species needs.
- Limited data exists on the scale and impact of prescribed fires relative to wildfires in many regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the importance and spatial extent of prescribed fires compared to wildfires in Sweden (2011-2015).
- To illustrate the utility of a national fire database as a management tool for prescribed fires.
- To assess the role of both fire types for fire-dependent species survival.
Main Methods:
- Compilation and analysis of prescribed fire and wildfire data in Sweden from 2011 to 2015.
- Spatial and quantitative comparison of prescribed fire and wildfire occurrences.
- Evaluation of fire management practices and their implications for biodiversity.
Main Results:
- On average, only 0.006% of Swedish forests burn annually, with prescribed fires accounting for 65% and wildfires for 35% of this area.
- A significant portion (58%) of prescribed fires occurred on clearcuts.
- Both prescribed and wildfires appear vital for the survival of fire-dependent species.
Conclusions:
- A national fire database is essential for simplifying coordination and enhancing the planning and evaluation of prescribed fires.
- An adaptive management strategy is proposed to optimize the outcomes of prescribed fire practices.
- Improved management of prescribed fires is critical for effective nature conservation and biodiversity support.
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