Vegetation recovery after fire on a southern New Zealand peatland

Abstract

The effects of fires on conservation Values and in determining present‐day vegetation are poorly known in New Zealand. This study of vegetation recovery at Awarua Bog₇ South1and, began after a fire in 1985. Nine samplings were recorded Over 10 Years from permanent transects in six vegetation types: mixed Baumea‐Empodisma bog, Leptospemum scrub, Pteridium fedand, Sphagnum bog, Chionochloa grassland, and Ulex w∼b. Rapid initial vegetative regrowth was mainly by rhizomatous specles. Low‐growing species (herbsceous dicotyledons, grasses, bryophytes) Peaked in &Ldmce 15–22 months after fire but subsequently declined in cover or disappeared. LePtospermum Shbs established rapidly from seed; ePacrid shrub species established later and more slowly. Former dominants (e.g., Empodisma minus, GIeichenia dicarpa, and Chionschloa rubra) were Slow to reCover. Sphagnum reCOvery was mainly by s10w recolonisation of fire‐bared peat, rather than regrowth of fire‐damaged former cushions. Cushion bog (Donatia novae‐zelandiae) is particularly sensitive to fire and very slow to recover. Fire provides open sites for gorse (Ulex europaeus) establishment, but also easy access for its eradication. Long‐term fire prevention and prompt containment protect conservation values.

Keywords:

• Awma Bog
• peatland
• fire
• vegetation recovery
• vegetation history
• seed banks
• dispersal
• conservation management