Impact of changes in lightning fire incidence on the values of the Tasmanian wilderness world heritage area

A shift from arson to lightning as the primary cause of fire in Tasmania since 1980 threatens unique ecosystems and Aboriginal cultural landscapes within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Lightning-caused fires endanger highly fire-sensitive species, organosols, and palaeoendemic plants, while simultaneously reducing burning in fire-dependent vegetation types. The study highlights the need for increased planned burning of fire-tolerant and fire-requiring vegetation, alongside improved ignition suppression, rapid response capabilities, and lightning fire detection to preserve World Heritage values.

Kirkpatrick, J., Styger, J., & Marsden-Smedley, J. (2018). Impact of changes in lightning fire incidence on the values of the Tasmanian wilderness world heritage area. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, 152, 27–32. https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.152.27