School of Environmental and Information Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Albury NSW 2640.
Fire is one of the most prevalent disturbances in the Australian environment.
The significance of its role in the succession of plant and animal communities is illustrated by the focus on its impacts of much ecological research. However, whilst fire ecology research to date has provided a comprehensive background knowledge into the interactions of fire and the environment, a vast range of questions remain about the impacts of specific fire regimes on the ecology of the Australian bush. Current fire management practices in protected areas are carried out in the context of our existing incomplete knowledge, which allows for potentially damaging use of fire. This makes fire ecology research a particularly important focus for ecologists now and into the future. Prescribed burning in a mosaic pattern is often implemented in protected areas to mitigate the wildfire risk and protect life and property by reducing fuel loads.