Anthropogenic fire practices only 'best' if they promote a large seed buildup: Comment on the conservation needs of a fire-killed grevillea

Abstract

Fire regimes control the population dynamics of fireprone plant species. Here, I re-analyse the data acquired in a study of the conservation requirements of a rare, fire-killed grevillea. I conclude that specific knowledge is required on the rate at which seeds accumulate in the soil, and the effect of fire frequency on population dynamics for a comprehensive understanding of the conservation biology of this species. Modelling indicates that fires at intervals in the order of multiple decades and covering at least 60% of the ground surface are optimal for this species, independently of the type of fire employed.