Fire responses of fauna in south-western Australia: clarifying some recent assertions

Reducing wildfire risk is a key responsibility of land managers, particularly in Australia, where prescribed burning is a common management tool. Concerns about the effects of prescribed burning on biodiversity can serve as a catalyst for the improvement and refinement of fire management and these discussions benefit from clear and rigorous use of evidence. Here, I provide a scientific assessment of information relating to fire and fauna in a recent publication titled ‘To burn, or not to burn: a critical perspective’, wherein it is asserted that prescribed burning in south-western Australia is harmful to biodiversity. I show that the fauna fire response information used to support that view is either inaccurate or incomplete for most of the 13 animal species and communities discussed. In several cases, there are statements that are not supported by, or differ from, published research findings. Many relevant peer-reviewed studies are also not cited. Misinformation can distort understanding of how management activities affect biodiversity. Accurate and comprehensive communication of knowledge is essential for informed and constructive discourse on fire management. Existing tools such as systematic reviews and weight of evidence approaches could aid in synthesising and distilling diverse evidence about the effects of fire on biodiversity.