Understanding wildfire impacts on wildlife
During wildfires, our top priorities are always human health and safety.
While specific impacts to federally threatened and endangered species remain uncertain at this time, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists are monitoring ongoing fires and will coordinate with land managers to provide recommendations to reduce the impacts of fire response activities on rare wildlife, but only if those recommendations do not hinder efforts to protect human health and safety.
After the fires subside, we’ll work with our partners at the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, and other land managers to better understand the impacts of the wildfires on our federally-protected species over the long-term.
While a wildfire is active it may be difficult to assess the long-term impacts of the wildfires on rare wildlife, the primary short-term impact is loss of their habitat. Some ecosystems are fire-adapted and require fire to be maintained; in some cases, native plants require fire regeneration as part of their life cycle.
Fires may also have indirect effects on listed species. For example, slopes denuded of vegetation may become prone to debris flows during subsequent rain events.
Unfortunately, some wildlife may not find refuge from wildfire and may be injured or killed. But many will escape and find unburned areas for shelter and food, while others may withstand the fire underground. Some amphibians may seek haven in small-mammal burrows or pond bottoms.
How to reduce wildfire risk
One way to help reduce wildlife risk is the removal of giant reed (arundo donax), an invasive perennial cane. Giant reed is drier than native plants that occur in our river systems and decreases the availability of freshwater. It also contributes to flooding because it grows in dense stands and impedes the flow of water.
Resources and stories about wildlife following wildfires in recent years
How California Condors and other rare wildlife weather wildland fires
All is not lost: Rare California red-legged frogs fight for survival following SoCal wildfire
How does Wildfire Impact Forests and Wildlife
