Week 9

Knowledge and understanding

Bushfires have played an integral part in shaping the ecology of the Australian landscape for millions of years. Warm springs, hot summers, dry vegetation, strong winds and low humidity create the ideal conditions for fire, with lightning the primary trigger.

Bushfire and ecology

Fire plays an important role in environmental ecology, and is needed to trigger natural processes, such as stimulating seed germination and bringing benefits to biodiversity.

For example, when a fire burns through bushland, it clears thick undergrowth and opens up the canopy so sunlight can reach the forest floor, encouraging the germination and regrowth of native vegetation.

Fires can also free these plants from competition with invasive weeds and eliminate disease or droves of insects that may have been causing damage to the old growth.

Research shows bushfires help provide nutrients that native vegetation specifically needs to rejuvenate and seed.

And in many cases, certain plant species that have gone dormant can be rejuvenated following a fire event.

The remnants of burnt trees, with hollowed out logs, can also offer attractive habitats for birds and mammals seeking shelter and nesting.

Burnt trees that are still standing can be havens for insects that feed birds and small mammals. These trees help protect recovering vegetation and stabilise soils against erosion. Fallen burnt trees provide new homes for smaller animals, especially reptiles.

For native animals, those that have survived will in most cases return to the burnt area once the plants grow back.

With kangaroos, for instance, their natural response to a slow-moving fire is to move to another area for safety and food, however once native vegetation has regenerated, they will generally return to the area where there are tasty grasses growing.

The recovery process will take time but Mother Nature is already showing her power.

Literacy & research