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Predator responses to fire: A global systematic review and meta-analysis
William L Geary1,2, Tim S Doherty1, Dale G Nimmo3
1School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong/Burwood, Vic., Australia.
The Journal of Animal Ecology
|November 28, 2019
Summary
Predator responses to fire vary greatly, with no general patterns observed across species or regions. Understanding these varied responses is crucial for effective ecosystem management and conservation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Ecology and Ecosystem Management
- Wildlife Ecology
- Fire Ecology
Background:
- Fire is a significant disturbance shaping habitats and influencing animal interactions.
- Predators play a critical role in ecological communities through top-down regulation.
- Understanding predator responses to fire is essential for effective ecosystem management but remains poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of fire on terrestrial, vertebrate predators globally.
- To identify general patterns and variations in predator responses to fire events.
- To highlight knowledge gaps in predator-fire research.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic review of 160 studies (1978-2018) on fire effects on predators.
- Performed a meta-analysis on 36 studies, extracting 96 effect sizes (Hedges' g) for 67 species.
- Analyzed changes in predator abundance, occupancy, and resource selection in relation to fire.
Main Results:
- No clear, general responses of predators to fire were found across all species, biomes, or geographic areas.
- Significant variation in responses was observed between species, with examples like red foxes (positive) and eastern racers (negative).
- Major geographic (North America, Oceania) and taxonomic (felids, canids) knowledge gaps were identified.
Conclusions:
- Predator responses to fire are highly species-specific and context-dependent.
- Current understanding is limited by significant geographic and taxonomic gaps in research.
- Adaptive, context-specific management strategies are needed to address predator-fire relationships effectively.
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