The response of reptiles and mammals to fire-driven vegetation succession in semi-arid Triodia-mallee woodlands

Background Predicting faunal responses to fire is complex due to regional differences in fire-vegetation dynamics, necessitating locally calibrated studies. Aims This study examined the effects of fire-mediated vegetation succession on (1) the richness, diversity and composition of small vertebrate communities and (2) individual species abundance in Triodia-mallee landscapes. Methods We sampled small vertebrates across 12 sites at Nanya Station, NSW, Australia, with fire histories spanning 1, 18 and >40 years since the last fire (YSLF). Key results 531 vertebrates from 39 species were recorded. There was strong evidence that fire history influenced vegetation structure, which shaped reptile community composition and species abundance. Early successional sites (1 YSLF) supported higher abundances of lizards such as Ctenotus regius, Lerista labialis and Lucasium damaeum. These species peaked 1-year post-fire before declining by 18 YSLF. In contrast, the dasyurid Ningaui yvonneae was most abundant 20–40 YSLF, correlating with dense spinifex, and was nearly absent at recently burned sites. Conclusions Fire history drives varied successional responses among species, with some benefiting from early post-fire conditions and others requiring mature spinifex habitat. Implications Region-specific studies are essential for effective conservation and land management. Long-term research is needed to understand successional dynamics and guide fire management strategies.