The effects of fire on large‐ and medium‐sized mammal communities: what do we know? A review

Abstract

Large‐ and medium‐sized mammals play a unique role in ecosystem dynamics. They can change the physical and biotic landscape by altering the flow of resources among trophic levels, thereby affecting ecosystem functioning. Although the effects of fire on some ungulates have been well studied, data gaps exist for many species, including canids, felids, mustelids and ursids among others. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a literature review to synthesize what is known about large and medium mammal responses to fire, including communities, species richness and species interactions in connection with fire. Twenty‐seven large and medium mammal species were studied. Fifty percent of the studies examined ungulates, far exceeding studies of other trophic levels. Eighty‐six percent were conducted on large mammals with significantly fewer studies on medium‐sized mammals. Only four studies examined multiple species responses to fire. Results indicated that fire had a largely positive effect on large‐ and medium‐sized mammals. However, considerable heterogeneity exists within and among taxa. Most fire research has been conducted on focal species rather than on biodiversity, and a large data gap exists on the interactions within or among large‐ and medium‐sized mammals. Forest management focus is changing from fire suppression to reinstating natural fire regimes. Effectiveness monitoring programmes will be needed to test the efficacy of restoration strategies in mammalian communities.