February 12, 2009

Impacts of wildfires on wildlife


The wildfires in Australia have been making headline news this week as they sweep through the outback with up to 40 people dead. But what about the huge death toll among the wildlife population of the region? There are estimates that the death toll among animals will be in the millions, with wildlife workers trying to rescue as many animals as possible from the inferno.


But, while it seems terrible, wildfires are a natural phenomenon and have been occurring throughout history irrelevant of human intervention. We have to remember that the effects of fires are really only temporary and can play an important role in managing the environment. Many animals are capable of effectively escaping from fires and while individuals may be killed the wildlife populations in the region will recover. Similarly the vegetation destroyed by fire will provide opportunities for new growth to develop which can in turn provide favourable conditions for some species.


So while the spectacle of wildfire may appear catastrophic it's important to remember that it has happened many time before and will again. In reality it is probably the more systemic destruction caused by human activities that will result in long term impacts to ecosystems.




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