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Mitigation of disease and browsing impacts, and translocation, supports post-fire threatened flora recovery

Sarah Barrett, Colin Yates , Rebecca Dillon , Megan Dilly, Ben Varcoe, Darcy Martin, Bayley Castlehow, Carl Gosper

Abstract

Context. For plant species that have evolved in fire-prone environments, declines after wildfires are often driven by the combination of fire and other threatening processes. Mitigating the impacts of these threatening processes can sometimes effectively support post-fire population recovery. Aims. We test the effectiveness of: (i) phosphite application to mitigate Phytophthora dieback; (ii) fencing to exclude browsing by mammalian herbivores; and (iii) translocation to sites where threats can be practically managed, for conservation of threatened flora affected by wildfires in 2018 and 2019 in the Stirling Range (Koi Kyeunu-ruff), southwestern Australia. Methods. Survival of Phytophthora-susceptible flora was compared in repeatedly sampled plots from prior to and after wildfire and ± recurrent phosphite application. Survival and growth of browsing-susceptible flora was compared post-fire in fenced and control plots. Survival and growth was compared between wild populations recruiting after wildfire and translocated populations. Key results. Phosphite application increased survival of most Phytophthora-susceptible flora. Fencing led to greater growth and often increased survival. Translocated populations, with supplemental water, had greater growth rates and earlier flowering than wild populations, and a non-significant trend for higher survival. Conclusions. These findings provide strong evidence supporting continuation of phosphite application, herbivore exclusion and translocation for post-fire recovery of the threatened flora of the Stirling Range. Implications. With increasing wildfire extent, frequency and impact across the globe, successful management of non-fire threats will be crucial for post-fire conservation of threatened flora, with the approaches proving effective in this study likely to have conservation value elsewhere.

BT23081  Accepted 15 April 2024

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