FIRE EFFECTS AND USE
WILDLIFE SPECIES: Cygnus columbianus | Tundra Swan 



DIRECT FIRE EFFECTS ON ANIMALS : 
No specific information was found in the literature regarding the direct
effects of fire on tundra swans.  However, adult nonmolting tundra swans
can probably easily escape fire.  Molting adults, nests, and cygnets are
probably most susceptible to fire.


HABITAT RELATED FIRE EFFECTS : 
Fire occurring in wetland habitats often removes excessive accumulations
of fast-growing hydrophytes, permitting better waterfowl access, more
feeding and loafing areas, and growth of more desirable tundra swan
foods such as pondweeds [11,12].  In the Nebraska sandhills many
desirable plants for waterfowl, such as duckweeds (Lemna spp.), pondweeds,
and wild rice (Zizania spp.) become more abundant following fire because
more open water is created [11].
  
There may be some negative effects of burning waterfowl habitat.
Large-scale autumn burning may have a detrimental effect upon marshes by
reducing the retention of drifting snow.  The ability of marsh
vegetation to catch and hold snow is vital to marsh survival [13].


FIRE USE : 
Prescribed burning is an effective method of manipulating waterfowl
habitat [11,14].  Fire can be used to convert forested uplands adjacent
to aquatic habitats to grasses and sedges, which are more suitable for
tundra swan nesting.  Additionally, removal of dense vegetation and
prevention of woody encroachment is vital to prairie marsh maintenance
[12].  Less dense vegetation allows space for waterfowl movement and
activities [11].  According to Ward [13], spring burning in marshlands
is primarily done to remove vegetation and create more nesting edge for
waterfowl.  Summer fires are used to create more permanent changes in
the plant community [13].  Prescribed burning during the nesting season
should be avoided so as not to disturb nesting females and/or destroy
nests and cygnets.


REFERENCES : 
NO-ENTRY

Related categories for Wildlife Species: Cygnus columbianus | Tundra Swan