When forest fires ravage California, most of the outside world tends to focus on the losses and destruction. However, amidst the charred trees, nature is quietly rebuilding itself, teeming with vitality.
Researchers at the Institute for Bird Populations in Petaluma, California discovered that some bird species are increasing in number after wildfires, and this positive effect often lasts for many years.
Their study, published in the journal “Fire Ecology,” found that out of 42 common bird species, 28 showed higher population densities in areas previously affected by fires, indicating that wildfires may benefit wildlife and contribute to land and forest management.
Scientist Chris Ray, Ph.D., stated in a blog post, “Land managers may find encouragement because many bird species may even benefit from fires that are not entirely low intensity.”
Ray and colleagues analyzed two decades of fixed-point count survey data collected during the breeding season from May to July in Yosemite National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. The research team integrated population data with “high-resolution burn severity estimates over the past 35 years.”
Data models and trends suggest that species benefiting from post-fire environments are birds that nest in trees and feed on invertebrates such as insects. In some cases, the population density of certain species can thrive for up to 35 years after a wildfire.
Researchers noted that their findings apply only to common species, stating, “These results may not be applicable to rarer species in the landscape, as we cannot apply statistical models that require extensive data to species with low observation counts.”
The study concluded that overall, common bird species exhibit a “positive and rapid response” to post-fire environments, indicating that birds and forests may benefit from planned burning and other measures.
The research stated, “Fire management, including planned burning, vegetation management to reduce fire risk, and various wildfire response methods, are the most powerful tools for land managers to maintain ecosystem function and biodiversity.”
Planned burning and controlled burns are intentional ignition in specific areas to clear combustible material, thereby reducing the intensity of potential uncontrolled fires during the fire season.
The study mentioned that such controlled burns were previously common in indigenous land management and involved low or mixed-intensity burning. These fires could create burnt patches in unburned land, allowing birds to move and reproduce across both areas.
Researchers also pointed out that wildfires with high-intensity burning over large areas could have negative impacts on bird species.
Since 1870, with the disappearance of indigenous management practices and changes in combustible materials due to livestock grazing, there have been significant changes in fire patterns. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, by the 1900s, with the establishment of state and national parks, California shifted its forest management focus to fire suppression, emphasizing halting or redirecting wildfire movement rather than using flames to clear thick vegetation.
This shift led to denser forests, accumulation of dry combustible materials, making frequent and large wildfires more likely. By 2011, California shifted back to planned burning and implemented the state-funded ABX1 29 legislation to support fire prevention.
Currently, California continues to employ a strategy of prevention and suppression. Governor Gavin Newsom is investing $4 billion over several years to strengthen the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL Fire)’s wildfire response capabilities. His land management plan includes “accelerating fuel reduction, planned burning, and forest health.” California is also investing in drone technology for aerial ignition of planned burns and monitoring wildfire control.
The researchers involved in the study on bird populations stated, “Our findings support recent calls for resource management aimed at encouraging mixed-intensity fires (often including partially high-intensity burning areas) to optimize habitat conditions for diverse species.”
They emphasized the need for further research to understand the long-term ecological impacts of fires in national parks and other landscapes.