Structural fire effects in the world's savannas

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Savannas, covering about twenty percent of the world's land, are crucial environments for numerous plant and animal species, including humans, and showcase significant natural beauty. Fire is integral to these ecosystems, as recurrent dry-season burning not only destroys but also fosters new life in a complex interplay. However, the increasing frequency of fires due to global warming—whether natural or human-induced—poses a threat by potentially reducing biodiversity and grazing availability for livestock. Beyond its temporal effects, fire has structural and spatial dimensions that can be leveraged as a management tool to enhance ecosystem health. For instance, Australian Aboriginals have effectively used a patch-burning strategy, creating a mosaic of burnt grass patches at various successional stages, which supports diverse animal life. This work compiles knowledge on fire structures, including geometry, area, and patchiness, and examines these aspects in relation to both arid and moist savannas. The six chapters on structural fire effects provide practical and theoretical insights aimed primarily at biodiversity and land-use managers in savanna ecosystems.