This is because successful wildlife management focuses on the health of the population, not of the individual. Consequently, wildlife managers support using prescribed fire to promote habitat conditions that result in healthier populations over the long term, even if the temporary effects of fire may result in the death of some individuals. There are many species of plants and animals that require periodic fire to maintain habitat conditions needed for their survival. For example, the Florida scrub jay and red-cockaded woodpecker are both listed as endangered species and both are dependent upon fire to maintain suitable habitat conditions. Even when fire kills trees, positive wildlife benefits can be found.
Many cavity nesting birds depend upon dead, decaying trees for excavating cavities.
Other species, known as secondary cavity nesters, depend upon these nest sites after they have been abandoned. Decaying trees attract insects that are fed upon by many species of wildlife. The decay process also returns important organic material and nutrients to the soil. Anyone who has observed a recently burned forest or wetland may wonder how long before wildlife begin using what may look like a charred wasteland. This is an important question because the loss of habitat is recognized as the most serious threat to wildlife populations worldwide, and the struggle between habitat loss and preservation of native habitats in Florida is constantly in the news.