Habitat fragmentation can modify important processes such as disturbance. Corridors – thin strips of habitat that connect otherwise isolated patches – are often implemented to combat the detrimental effects of fragmentation for organisms. However, it is not well understood how corridors alter abiotic disturbance patterns. The goal of this study was to understand how habitat fragmentation and corridors influence patterns of fire, which is an important process for structuring plant communities in many ecosystems. We used six replicate experimental landscapes, each containing five open habitat patches (1.64ha) located within a mature pine plantation matrix. Each experimental landscape included isolated patches and patches connected by corridors. Both patches and corridors were dominated by herbaceous vegetation and supported some shrubs. We monitored fire intensities during winter 2009 prescribed surface burns with pyrometers constructed out of copper tags marked with temperature sensitive paints.    

Results/Conclusions

Fire intensity plots were established at the center and edge of connected and unconnected patches, as well as in the matrix and corridor. Mean fire temperatures were higher in the pine plantation matrix, than in the open patches. However, there were more unburned locations in the patches than in the matrix and when only burned locations were considered, the mean fire temperatures in the matrix were not significantly higher than temperatures in the patches. Fires were more intense in the corridor and at the entrance to the corridor than in the center of the connected patch. We believe that the continuity of the pine litter fuels contributed to the higher mean fire temperatures in the matrix. The increased fire temperatures in the corridor may be an effect of wind channelization through the corridor. By supporting a mosaic of distinct habitat types, fragmented landscapes can encompass a variety of fuel properties and alter wind conditions that may affect fire behavior.