Mechanisms of recovery after fire by rodents in the Australian environment: a review

Abstract

Possible impacts and mechanisms of response by Australian rodents to fire are identified and discussed in relation to the literature. Although there is considerable information on patterns of population response, there is little concerning the effect of fire on individual behaviour, mortality, or interactions at the community level. The evidence that links observed responses of rodents to habitat variables is largely correlative, and theories on mechanisms of recovery are often simplified or speculative. Experimental manipulations of resources, competitive interactions and predation rates are proposed as the best way to clarify which factors are most influential upon individuals, populations and communities in the post-fire environment.