Effects of fire regime on faunal composition and dynamics.

Abstract

The fauna over much of southern Africa has become adapted to the large-scale occurrence of fire, through escape and other survival mechanisms. With reference mainly to mammals, the immediate, direct effects of fire are discussed, viz mortality, dispersal, and differences associated with type, intensity, season and frequency of fire. Indirect effects include short-term changes in food resources and vegetation cover. Population structure and social organisation are also affected in many mammal species. -P.J.Jarvis