Bird response to the size and isolation of unburnt residuals at Pinkawillinie CP, South Australia 

The dataset describes the occurrence of bird species at sites within a burnt woodland. These sites comprise the following design: 5 replicate block. each with 2 large patch sites, 2 small patch sites and 2 matrix sites. One site of each pair was relatively more isolated than the other (surrounded by a higher proportion of unburnt vegetation). In addition, there are also 6 sites located beyond the extent of the fire. The data-set also lists vegetation attributes at each of these sites. 

We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

Fire managers are engaged with the concept that retaining small unburnt residual areas of vegetation within extensively burnt landscapes may facilitate biodiversity conservation. However, it remains uncertain how the size and isolation of these unburnt residuals influence faunal distributions, persistence and recovery following fire. We observed bird responses to the size and isolation of unburnt residuals in a Mallee woodland area recently burnt by fire in southern Australia. Within five replicated spatial blocks, we crossed two levels of isolation with large (57ha) and small (13ha) unburnt patches and matrix sites burnt five years previously. We compared these site types to six continuous (non-fragmented) unburnt sites. We surveyed each site on eight occasions. Most birds occurred more frequently in unburnt habitat beyond the extent of the fire. Bird responses to the availability and spatial distribution of unburnt remnants within the fire were largely influenced by their ability to use the recently burnt matrix. Bird occurrence was higher in unburnt residuals when less unburnt habitat was available within 500 m. 

Timed-active search: We used the timed active-search method to survey birds. We recorded all birds observed by sight or heard within a 30-minute period; excluding those observed flying overhead.. A 3-ha search area was used at burnt matrix and continuous unburnt sites as it was representative of mean unburnt patch size. We conducted surveys between 28th September and 17th November 2010 to coincide with peak breeding season, when birds are most detectable. We completed surveys between 06:00 and 12:00 (Australian Standard Daylight Saving Time) and did not survey on days of heavy rain or strong wind. One observer surveyed each site eight times, on eight different mornings, each separated by at least one week. The timing of site surveys was varied upon each revisit, reducing possible sampling time bias.