Evolving fire management strategies and their impact on the occurrence and spatial extent of unplanned wildfires in a large African savanna park

Abstract

Savannas cover approximately 20 % of the global land surface. In African savannas, fire is an important agent for controlling these ecosystems. Kruger National Park (KNP) is a large African savanna park which has implemented a variety of fire management strategies over the years. Using KNP’s recorded fire history (from 1941-2017), we examined the occurrence and spatial extent of accidental wildfires in KNP in relation to adaptations in the fire management strategies over time. From 1941 to 2017 fires were a regular, almost annual occurrence in KNP. However, fuel loads accumulate over time when fires are extinguished or controlled burning in these landscapes is prevented, and the result is a substantial amount of combustible material to support large unplanned wildfires. Therefore, fire management strategies influence the occurrence and spatial extent of unplanned wildfires in African savannas. Prescribed burning is a critical management tool which should be used in fire-prone landscapes, however, research is needed to determine the appropriate fire regime needed to manage a fire-driven system.