Forest Fires and Birds

Abstract

Aim of study: To present and discuss the behavior of some bird species and their habitat use during and after forest fires, and propose some suggestions for decision makers for forestry activities and management planning where forest fire intensively occur in forested areas. Area of study: Several forest fires that took place in different regions in Turkey in the last 10 years have been discussed. Some experimental fires conducted over the years were also included in the study. Material and Methods: Concerning the active forest fires; fire type, fuel type, characteristics of fire behavior were noted; head fire, flank and back fire observations were made and, after fire field observations and investigations were recorded. During and after the fire, bird species were observed in the field, identified and its behavior were recorded using binoculars, cameras and a video camera. Main results: Behavior of birds during and after fires were reported and discussed. It was observed that birds exploited the area instantaneously due to the sudden increase of food supply during the fire, and continued to utilize the area as the habitats became more suitable especially after fires. Research highlights: Fire affects living and non-living components of forest ecosystems. Birds are an important living component of the ecosystems that are both directly affected by fires and indirectly affected by changes in their habitats. Developmental stage (juvenile or mature), feeding habits and habitat use of birds are critical characteristics that are referred to in relation to the identification of benefits and losses due to fires.