The Short-Term Effects of Surface Wildfire on Forest Bird Community

Dabbagh, Leyla; Varasteh Moradi, Hossein; Mastouri, Ali

The Short-Term Effects of Surface Wildfire on Forest Bird Community

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ MSc Graduated of Environmental Science, Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Fishery and Environmental Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

² PhD. Candidate in Forestry, Department of Forestry, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Abstract

In this study, changes in forest bird community and environmental variables were studied in burned and unburned forest stands at Fazel Abad forest, Gorgan in 2011. Birds and environmental variables were studied using distance sampling method. In each of 80 sampling points (40 sampling points in burned and 40 sampling points in unburned forest stand), birds in a radius of 25 meters and environmental variables in a radius of 5 meters from each point were detected. In the reproductive seasons, which coincide with the first spring after the wildfire, the diversity and total density of birds was higher in burned forest compared to unburned forest stand. Great Tit (10.18±1.56), Coal Tit (3.50±0.51), Chaffinch (15.46±4.57) and Black Bird (3.57±0.08) that are classified as Arboreal grainivorous birds, had higher density in the burned forest; while Nuthatch (11.53±2.15), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1.27±0.03) and Red-breasted Flycatcher (1.91±0.03) that are classified as cavity-nesting birds, had higher density in the unburned forest. In the non-reproductive season, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chaffinch, Black Bird, Syrian Woodpecker and Nuthatch had higher density in unburned forest. The feeding strategy and nest-building behaviors of birds are driving factor in response to the wildfire. Cavity-nesting birds were more vulnerable in relation to disturbance and habitat change. Moreover, the results illustrate the importance of elapsed time after wildfire. The causes of forest wildfires should be identified and through the proper management techniques to be controlled.

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