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Ecology and Evolution
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Ecology and Evolution
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Ecology and Evolution
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Other literature type . 2019
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The influence of fire frequency on the structure and botanical composition of savanna ecosystems

تأثير تواتر الحرائق على الهيكل والتكوين النباتي للنظم الإيكولوجية في السافانا
Authors: Natasha Ribeiro; Gernot Ruecker; Navashni Govender; Valério A. Macandza; Aurélio de Jesus Rodrigues Pais; Domingos Machava; Aniceto Chaúque; +2 Authors

The influence of fire frequency on the structure and botanical composition of savanna ecosystems

Abstract

AbstractSavannas cover 60% of the land surface in Southern Africa, with fires and herbivory playing a key role in their ecology. The Limpopo National Park (LNP) is a 10,000 km2 conservation area in southern Mozambique and key to protecting savannas in the region. Fire is an important factor in LNP's landscapes, but little is known about its role in the park's ecology. In this study, we explored the interaction between fire frequency (FF), landscape type, and vegetation. To assess the FF, we analyzed ten years of the Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) burned area product (2003–2013). A stratified random sampling approach was used to assess biodiversity across three dominant landscapes (Nwambia Sandveld‐NS, Lebombo North‐LN, and Shrubveld Mopane on Calcrete‐C) and two FF levels (low—twice or less; and high—3 times or more, during 10 years). Six ha were sampled in each stratum, except for the LN versus high FF in which low accessibility allowed only 3 ha sampling. FF was higher in NS and LN landscapes, where 25% and 34% of the area, respectively, burned more than three times in 10 years. The landscape type was the main determinant of grass composition and biomass. However, in the sandy NS biomass was higher under high FF. The three landscapes supported three different tree/shrub communities, but FF resulted in compositional variations in NS and LN. Fire frequency had no marked influence on woody structural parameters (height, density, and phytomass). We concluded that the savannas in LNP are mainly driven by landscape type (geology), but FF may impose specific modifications. We recommend a fire laissez‐faire management system for most of the park and a long‐term monitoring system of vegetation to address vegetation changes related to fire. Fire management should be coordinated with the neighboring Kruger National Park, given its long history of fire management. Synthesis: This study revealed that grass and tree/shrub density, biomass, and composition in LNP are determined by the landscape type, but FF determines some important modifications. We conclude that at the current levels FF is not dramatically affecting the savanna ecosystem in the LNP (Figure 1). However, an increase in FF may drive key ecosystem changes in grass biomass and tree/shrub species composition, height, phytomass, and density.

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Keywords

Biomass (ecology), Physical geography, African Savannas, Environmental science, Impact of Climate Change on Forest Wildfires, Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Pathology, Agroforestry, Biology, QH540-549.5, Ecosystem, biodiversity, Original Research, Nature and Landscape Conservation, Global and Planetary Change, Ecology, Geography, National park, Forestry, Factors Affecting Sagebrush Ecosystems and Wildlife Conservation, Biodiversity, Grassland, fire ecology, Fire regime, Shrub, FOS: Biological sciences, Environmental Science, Physical Sciences, Herbivore, Medicine, protected areas, Habitat Fragmentation, Vegetation (pathology)

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
38
Top 10%
Top 10%
Top 10%
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Italian National Biodiversity Future Center