Mammals, birds, and reptiles spend more time in artificial refuges after fire

Abstract

Fire can enhance hunting conditions for predators by incinerating microhabitats that provide refuge for prey, such as grass and shrubs. This simplification of the environment can increase the detectability and catchability of prey; a phenomenon that can be ecologically detrimental where invasive predators are prevalent. As fire regimes intensify globally, developing effective management actions to mitigate the impacts of invasive predators in recently burnt environments is becoming increasingly important. This study investigates the impact of artificial refuges on the behavior of small vertebrates following a prescribed fire in southeastern Australia. Using a camera trap-based control-impact study design, I assess whether artificial refuges influence the duration and timing of small mammal activity and decrease perceived predation risk. Over half of the species tested spent more time per visit inside refuges, suggesting a reduction in predation risk. The small mammal community adjusted their daily activity times within the refuges to become slightly more active earlier in the evening and later in the morning; however, no changes in mean activity period were observed. These findings demonstrate the potential of artificial refuges to become a useful conservation tool after fire, although further research across different ecosystems and fire conditions is yet needed to determine their efficacy.