Interactions between fire and introduced deer herbivory on coastal heath vegetation

• DOI: 10.1111/aec.12349
• Publication Date: 2016-02-26T09:18:34Z
• Authors: Mathew S. Crowther; Geetha Ortac; Simen Pedersen; Clare McArthur
• Keywords: Fire regime; Floristics; Fire ecology

Abstract The coastal heathlands of the Royal National Park are impacted by both fire and herbivory introduced deer, to date these two factors have been dealt with independently in management natural areas. In recent years, there has increasing recognition for a more integrated approach manage disturbance agents. Fire its role Australian well known, while impacts from deer combined effects still poorly understood. this study, we investigated Javan rusa ( Cervus timorensis ) on vegetation cover floristics. percentage plants at different height layers presence/absence individual species were recorded sites representing burn histories (1993/1994 2000/2001) presence or absence. significantly reduced low (<50 cm) intermediate heights (50–100 cm), affected grasses sedges, recently burnt sites. Rusa also composition plant assemblages, but no such effect was found fire. Understanding influence each factor together will be critical implementing robust framework future management.