The Effects of Forest Fires on Animals

Nothing is more destructive to a forest environment than fire. This unpredictable element can quickly and easily devour miles of forest land, leaving a path of charred ruin in its wake. News programs often give detailed reports about property damage and measure the effects of forest fires in terms of dollars. However, these devastating events have another set of casualties: animals. The forest fauna experiences drastic changes when a fire seizes the land.

  1. Injury and Mortality

    • One of the first and most direct effects a fire will have on forest animals is injury or death. This can be from the fire itself or from inhalation of toxic fumes produced within the blaze. Vertebrates are less likely to be greatly affected in this fashion. When vertebrate deaths do occur, there are usually no lasting effects on the population.

    Spike in Food Supply

    • When a forest is damaged by fire, new and beneficial minerals are introduced to the soil. These nutrients stimulate the growth of enriched plant life, providing an abundance of food for forest-dwelling fauna. In some cases, animals will eat ash or the charred bark of trees and obtain beneficial minerals.

    Population Growth

    • For the animals that benefit from the surge in the food supply, it is not uncommon for an increase in population to occur. This boom in forest animal births does not necessarily mean they will thrive over the long term. This is because the post-fire environment is barren and simplistic, offering little potential for long-term adjustment.

    Forced Migration

    • Forest fires turn the area into a scorched and simplified habitat. While some animals are equipped to survive in this type of setting, others are not. Unfortunately, these animals are forced to vacate the altered habitat and seek new surroundings. These animals often perish when unable to locate new dwellings.