Using citizen science to measure recolonisation of birds after the Australian 2019-2020 mega-fires

Large and severe fires ('mega-fires') are increasing in frequency across the globe, often pushing into ecosystems that have previously had very long fire return intervals. The 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season was one of the most catastrophic fire events on record. Almost 19 million hectares were burnt across the continent displacing and killing unprecedented numbers of native fauna, including bird species. Some bird species are known to thrive in post-fire environments, while others may be absent for an extended period from the firegrounds until there is sufficient ecosystem recovery. To test for systematic patterns in species use of the post-fire environment, we combined citizen science data from eBird with data on sedentism, body size, range size and the specialisation of diet and habitat. Using generalised additive models, we modelled the responses of 76 bird species to the 2019-2020 Australian mega-fires. Twenty-two species decreased in occurrence after the fire; 30 species increased; and no significant effect was found for the remaining 24 species. Furthermore, diet specialists, and birds with smaller body sizes and range sizes were less likely to be found in burnt areas after the fire event compared to before, a result which generates testable hypotheses for recovery from other mega-fires across the globe. Being displaced from the firegrounds for an event of this geographic magnitude may have severe consequences for population dynamics and thus warrant considerable conservation attention in pre-fire planning and in the post-fire aftermath.

Automated summary

Large and severe fires, known as mega-fires, are becoming more frequent worldwide, affecting ecosystems with long intervals between fires. The 2019-2020 Australian bushfires caused extensive damage and loss of native fauna. Some bird species thrive in post-fire environments while others require ecosystem recovery. A study on 76 bird species found that some species decreased in occurrence after the fire, some increased, and others showed no significant effect. Furthermore, diet specialists, small-bodied birds, and birds with smaller range sizes were less likely to be found in burnt areas after the fire.