Interval squeeze: altered fire regimes and demographic responses interact to threaten woody species persistence as climate changes

N.J. Enright; J.B. Fontaine; D.M.J.S. Bowman; R.A. Bradstock; R.J. Williams

doi:10.1890/140231

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Interval squeeze: altered fire regimes and demographic responses interact to threaten woody species persistence as climate changes

Journal article

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Interval squeeze: altered fire regimes and demographic responses interact to threaten woody species persistence as climate changes

N.J. Enright, J.B. Fontaine, D.M.J.S. Bowman, R.A. Bradstock and R.J. Williams

Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, Vol.13(5), pp.265-272

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1890/140231

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Abstract

Projected effects of climate change across many ecosystems globally include more frequent disturbance by fire and reduced plant growth due to warmer (and especially drier) conditions. Such changes affect species - particularly fire-intolerant woody plants - by simultaneously reducing recruitment, growth, and survival. Collectively, these mechanisms may narrow the fire interval window compatible with population persistence, driving species to extirpation or extinction. We present a conceptual model of these combined effects, based on synthesis of the known impacts of climate change and altered fire regimes on plant demography, and describe a syndrome we term interval squeeze. This model predicts that interval squeeze will increase woody plant extinction risk and change ecosystem structure, composition, and carbon storage, especially in regions projected to become both warmer and drier. These predicted changes demand new approaches to fire management that will maximize the in situ adaptive capacity of species to respond to climate change and fire regime change.

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Title: Interval squeeze: altered fire regimes and demographic responses interact to threaten woody species persistence as climate changes
Authors/Creators: N.J. Enright (Author/Creator) - Murdoch University
J.B. Fontaine (Author/Creator)
D.M.J.S. Bowman (Author/Creator) - University of Tasmania
R.A. Bradstock (Author/Creator) - University of Wollongong
R.J. Williams (Author/Creator) - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Publication Details: Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, Vol.13(5), pp.265-272
Publisher: Ecological Society of America
Identifiers: 991005540074007891
Copyright: © The Ecological Society of America
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Veterinary and Life Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.40 Forestry; 3.40.1598 Wildfire Dynamics
Web Of Science research areas: Ecology; Environmental Sciences
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology