Too much, too soon? A review of the effects of increasing wildfire frequency on tree mortality and regeneration in temperate eucalypt forests

摘要: In temperate Australia, wildfires are predicted to be more frequent and severe under climate change. This could lead marked changes in tree mortality regeneration the region’s predominant eucalypt forests, which have been burned repeatedly by extensive period 2003–14. Recent studies applied alternative stable state models select ‘fire sensitive’ forest types, but comparable not rigorously examined relation tolerant’ forests region. We review effects of increasing wildfire frequency on Victoria, south-eastern based functional traits dominant eucalypts: those that typically killed regenerate from seed (‘obligate seeders’) mostly survive resprout (‘resprouters’). over 4.3 million ha has last decade (2003–14), roughly equivalent cumulative area previous 50 years (1952–2002; 4.4 ha). increased activity occurred regardless several advancements fire management, resulted 350 000 ha being twice or at short (≤11 year) intervals. Historical recent evidence indicates recurrent threaten persistence obligate seeder can facilitate a shift non-forest states if successive fires occur within trees’ primary juvenile (1–20 years). Our also highlights potential for structural resprouter particularly kill seedlings increase mortality. present conceptual with frequency, highlight knowledge gaps relating development driven regimes.