Nowadays in the Mediterranean ecosystem, we have bigger and more severe fires, linked to the large amount of accumulated fuel and climate change. For this reason, the use of prescribed burnings is becoming a frequent management tool. It is believed that reducing vegetation coverage can help most key and cynegetic species, increasing their abundance and biodiversity.
The goal of the study is to evaluate the impact of prescribed burnings on vertebrate fauna and hunting species in the area of Massís de Bonastre, located in Tarragona (Catalonia). It has been carried out comparing the plot burned with a control plot with the same conditions, for four months after the fire. The data was obtained through the use of camera-traps, transect tracking and the study of micromammals with Sherman traps. The preferences of each species in the habitat and predator-prey relationship were the most recurrent explanations of the response of the vertebrate fauna to the prescribed burning.
A gradual increase of species was observed in the burned area, where the frequency ended being higher than in the control area. The wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) had a favourable response to the burning. It’s believed that the increase in the abundance of micromammals has led to the appearance of several carnivorous mammals on the plot, such as the beech marten (Martes foina) or the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has been detected in a lower frequency, although to a greater extent in the burned area, leading to the conclusion that the presence of regenerated ground benefits the specie. Although they use the open areas for hunting, it is important to maintain some areas with vegetation, since there are species that use them to hide and spend daytime hours. Therefore, prescribed burning has opened spaces, favouring the presence of various species and increasing their abundance
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