Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network: Plot-based Fire Severity Associations with Season and Frequency, Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, Northern Territory, Australia, 1994–2013

Abstract: This data package is a derivative product consisting of a subset of already published data fire severity data packages (from Dr Jeremy Russell-Smith), combined with data indicating time since last fire (from Brett Murphy). These data are used to produce the graphs and conclusions found on pages 355 & 356 of Lindenmayer et. al 2014, Biodiversity and Environmental Change: Monitoring Challenges and Directions.

A total of 220 permanent monitoring plots (40 m x 20 m) were established across three parks (Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk) in 1994-1995 to monitor biotic change. Of these, 132 plots are located in Kakadu, 41 plots are located in Litchfield, and 47 are located in Nitmiluk. These sample a variety of landform and vegetation type /habitat conditions. A substantial proportion of plots were positioned deliberately at sites likely to reveal environmental dynamics, especially at ecotones and in patches of fire-sensitive vegetation. For example stands of Callitris, sandstone heaths. As well, many plots are located at, or in the near vicinity of, intensively managed sites such as camp-grounds and other tourist destinations.

A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Three Park Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network’s full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c3c22985ac2b.

Project funding: These data were curated and published with strategic funds from a TERN initiative to publish long term data packages from the book Lindenmayer et al. 2014 Biodiversity and Environmental Change: Monitoring, Challenges and Direction.

Between 2012 and 2018 this project was part of, and funded through the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN) a facility within the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.