Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network: Plot Details - Spatial Coordinates, Northern Territory, Australia

Abstract: This data package contains location data for 220 sites in the Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network. As such, it supplements the other Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network data packages, by providing spatial coordinates for each of the plot identifiers recorded in their data tables. The Three Parks Savanna Fire-Effects Plot Network was established in 1994 with the primary aim of training management staff and assisting with the development of adaptive approaches to conservation-based fire management in regional savanna systems. The full program assesses fire regimes and their impacts on plant and vertebrate biodiversity components. The program comprises two complementary elements – mapping of fire histories based upon interpretation of satellite imagery, and assessment of vegetation and faunal components at a large series of permanent monitoring plots located across respective parks. The vegetation data comprises quantitative assessment of all species in three major strata undertaken every five years. Faunal assessments are undertaken in the immediate vicinity of respective plots on an irregular and less frequent basis. The occurrence of fire is assessed bi-annually on-ground and satellite derived fire mapping is conducted three times a year.

*Note: Plots are located within a National Park and physical access to the plots is restricted.

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 and https://doi.org/10.25911/5c35959d4530d.

Sampling method: The 220 plots across the three National Parks (Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk) were established in 1995 in collaboration with the Park rangers to answers questions relating to fire management and park resources.

Study extent: 133 plots are located in Kakadu, 41 plots are located in Litchfield and 46 plots are located in Nitmuluk. Plots are located across the parks in a variety of habitats from lowland woodlands to rocky hillsides and ‘table top’ plateau. Occasional data is missing from years due to constraints in accessing sites.

An additional 7 plots in Nitmiluk National Park (plots 48 to 54), not included in the overall 220 plots mentioned above, are for fauna surveys only.

**Note that plot 95 in Kakadu National Park was lost after the first visit in 1995.

Project funding: 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.

This project has also received funding through Parks Australia, NT Parks & Wildlife Service, Tropical Savannas CRC, and Darwin Centre for Bushfires Research (Charles Darwin University).