|
|
- Info
Whither wildlife without fire?
| Author: |
Brennan, L.A.; Engstrom, R.T.; Palmer, W.E. [and others] |
| Date: |
1998 |
| Periodical: |
In: Transactions of the 63rd North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference; 1998 March 20-24; Orlando, FL |
| Abstract: |
In this paper, our objective is to use case histories from the scientific literature, along with previously unpublished data, to describe why use of prescribed fire is critical for the effective management of numerous wildlife species in southern forests. In our view, some of the major wildlife management "problems" (i.e. many endangered and/or declining species) in the southern U.S. are rooted in habitat loss resulting from lack of adequate (either sufficently frequent and/or widespread) applications of prescibed fire. To describe how fire impacts wildlife and what happens to wildlife when fire is eliminated from southern forest systems, we present examples from research and field studies of threatened and endangered species, other species, and vertebrate communities. We use this information to build a case that points to a critical need for the continued and increased use of prescribed fire. Prescribed fire is an essential part of the management of southern pine forests, old fields and other native habitats throughout the South. From the standpoint of wildlife management, we consider fire an esential, landscape-level factor in the context of: 1) ecosystem management; and 2) management strategies to maintain and, where appropriate, increase biodiversity of native vertebrates and the habitats they require. |
|
