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Journal article
Animal taxa threatened by adverse fire regimes in Western Australia: a synthesis and outlook
Pacific conservation biology, Vol.32(1), PC25051
2026
Abstract
Adverse fire regimes threaten biodiversity, potentially leading to population declines and increased extinction risk. Understanding how varying fire regimes affect threatened species is essential for effective ecosystem management, including in Western Australia where diverse ecosystems are exposed to wildfires, Indigenous burning, and prescribed fire. We compiled and synthesised data on the threat of adverse fire regimes to threatened animal taxa in Western Australia. Using a threat classification scheme, we ranked adverse fire regimes as having either no, low, medium, high, or unknown impact on each taxon. A total of 212 taxa were reviewed, 153 (72%) of which are considered fire-threatened: 29 high, 67 medium, 43 low, and 14 unknown impact. This includes 100% of threatened amphibians (3 taxa), 91% of threatened mammals (29), 71% of threatened invertebrates (85), 67% of threatened fish (6), 63% of threatened reptiles (10) and 61% of threatened birds (20). Only some bird (6), mammal (5), and invertebrate (18) taxa received a ranking of ‘high’. Across all fire-threatened taxa, we synthesised 330 fire response cases from 169 studies. Most taxa (75%) are considered fire-threatened due to small ranges and limited dispersal (primarily invertebrates and island taxa), with much smaller numbers reliant on long-unburnt vegetation (>10–40 years; 7%) or habitat features that take decades to form (e.g. tree hollows; 7%). Many taxa should be considered putatively fire-threatened until further information on their fire responses and the nature of fire regimes within their ranges is collected. We identify key research priorities to inform fire management and threatened species conservation.
Details
- Title
- Animal taxa threatened by adverse fire regimes in Western Australia: a synthesis and outlook
- Authors/Creators
- Tim S. Doherty - The University of SydneyMark G. Allen - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic EcosystemsKarlene Bain - Python Ecological Services, Walpole, WA, AustraliaStephen J. Beatty - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic EcosystemsAllan H. Burbidge - Edith Cowan UniversityRenee A. Catullo - School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, AustraliaSarah Comer - Parks and Wildlife ServiceBen Corey - Kimberley Region, Regional and Fire Management Services, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Broome, WA, AustraliaSaul J. Cowen - The University of Western AustraliaRobert A. Davis - Edith Cowan UniversityMartin A. Dziminski - Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Woodvale, WA, AustraliaJ. Anthony Friend - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsBruce Greatwich - Kimberley Region, Regional and Fire Management Services, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Broome, WA, AustraliaMark S. Harvey - Australian MuseumHannah Killian - Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Woodvale, WA, AustraliaMichael W. Klunzinger - Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, AustraliaDamian C. Lettoof - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationNicola J. Mitchell - The University of Western AustraliaMelinda Moir - Department of Primary Industries and Regional DevelopmentDavid L. Morgan - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic EcosystemsHarry A. Moore - School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, AustraliaIan J. Radford - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsMichael G. Rix - Australian MuseumTom Vigilante - Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, Kalumburu, WA, AustraliaAdrian F. Wayne - Ecosystem (Spain)Corey Whisson - Australian MuseumNicole Willers - Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsMatthew R. Williams - Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA, Australia
- Publication Details
- Pacific conservation biology, Vol.32(1), PC25051
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Number of pages
- 14
- Identifiers
- 991005852087707891
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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