THE EFFECT OF WILDFIRE ON BIRD POPULATIONS IN A VICTORIAN COASTAL HABITAT

In an area severely burned by wildfire on 16 February 1983, a study, which had begun before the fire in spring 1982, was continued to determine recolonisation by birds. The study continued until spring 1988. Bird species were affected in different ways. Three patterns were apparent: no noticeable change; an initial decline followed by recovery after one or more years; and an increase following fire with a decrease coincident with plant regeneration. Of the 73 bird species recorded, 60% were present by the end of the first spring and 86% had been recorded by two years post-fire, which included all those present in the spring before the blaze. Population numbers took longer to recover. No control areas were available. The source of recolonisation was not evident. The danger of fire is most acute for birds restricted in habitat and distribution, such as the Rufous Bristlebird Dasyornis broadbenti.