Fire and Flooding Interact to Affect Croton linearis Survival in Pine Rocklands of Everglades National Park, Florida

1University of Florida 2National Park Service, Everglades National Park

https://www.regionalconservation.org/beta/nfyn/plantdetail.asp?tx=Crotline

Fire and Water Interact

…Along an elevational gradient

High Low

Fire and Water Interact

Wet/ Inundated

Dry

Fire and Water Interact

Wet/ Inundated

Dry

Unburned

Burned

Fire and Water Interact

Pine Rocklands – Ecotones of Water and Fire

https://www.ecoinst.org/conservation-programs/past-projects/fire-effects-on-birds-in-pine-rocklands/

Hydrologic Modifications Prescribed Burns

Plant Diversity

Pine Rocklands – Ecotones of Water and Fire

https://www.ecoinst.org/conservation-programs/past-projects/fire-effects-on-birds-in-pine-rocklands/

Hydrologic Modifications Prescribed Burns

Plant Diversity

WATER FIRE

CROTON LINEARIS

Croton linearis is an essential host plant

FWC photo by Mary Truglio

Bartram’s Hairstreak, Strymon acisFederally endangered

2014 Listed

Florida Leafwing, Anaea troglodytaFederally endangered

2006 Candidate, 2014 ListedNOT SEEN OUTSIDE OF ENP SINCE 2007

Roger L. Hammer

How do fire and hydrology interact to affect survival of Croton linearis?

FWC photo by Mary TruglioRoger L. Hammer

Dry and Wet season burns

The dry season begins when precipitation declines

Fill, et al 2015

The dry season begins when precipitation declines

Dry Season Fire (AA)

Wet Season Fire (D)

Modified from Fill, et al 2015

Croton post-fire recovery linked to hydrology

More absences and deaths after wet-season fire

WET SEASON VS. DRY SEASON BURNING AFFECTSSURVIVAL

CROTON LINEARIS RESPROUTS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING FIRE, AND SURVIVAL DECLINES OVER TIME

HYDROLOGY CAN BE MANAGED

Preliminary conclusions: Inundation following fire reduces survival

• Jimi Sadle

• Dr. Ben Baiser

• Leonard Pearlstine

• Owen Schneider

• Stephanie Bohlman and

Crandall Fire Lab

Thank you