The Ecology of Fire

Description

Wildfires kill many animals, but are populations of animals affected? How do animals survive the passage of fire? Why do some tree species survive and others die in a fire? Do frequent fires cause changes in plant community composition? Answering questions such as these requires an understanding of the ecological effects of fire. Aimed at senior undergraduate students, researchers, foresters and other land managers, Dr Whelan's book examines the changes wrought by fires with reference to general ecological theory. The impacts of fires on individual organisms, populations and communities are examined separately, and emphasis is placed on the importance of fire regime. Each chapter includes a listing of 'outstanding questions' that identify gaps in current knowledge. The book finishes by summarising the major aspects of ecology that are of particular relevance to management of fires - both protection against wildfires and deliberate use of fire.

'The book provides a thorough analysis of the ecology of fire, illustrating principles from a wide range of fire-affected habitats.' Peter D. Moore, Nature 'At whatever level one approaches the book this is a well-written and fascinating account.' British Ecological Society TEG News '... something for the larger library to have on its shelf ... each chapter ends ... with a list of interesting areas to explore from the topics covered ... There is an extensive bibliography'. Myles Ripley, Biologist 'Each of the main chapters includes a listing of outstanding questions that identify gaps in current knowledge.' Forestry Abstracts