Compatibility of prescribed burning with the conservation of insects in small, isolated prairie reserves

Published source details Panzer R. (2002) Compatibility of prescribed burning with the conservation of insects in small, isolated prairie reserves. Conservation Biology, 16, 1296-1307.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

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	Use rotational burning Action Link

Use rotational burning

A replicated, paired, controlled study in 1992–1997 in 21 tallgrass prairie remnants in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, USA (Panzer 2002) found that most insect populations (including butterflies and moths) which initially declined after burning recovered within a year and had higher abundance on burned than unburned sites. One year after burning, the abundance of 68% of insect populations which initially declined had recovered to match the abundance at unburned sites, and all recovered within two years. Moreover, 84% of these populations recovered to higher abundance in recently burned than unburned areas. Species which increased (26%) or did not change (34%) in abundance immediately after fire were not considered further. See paper for individual species results. Twenty-one prairies (2–600 ha) were divided into two or more units, and from 1992–1997 either 0 or 1 unit/prairie was burned each year in March–April. Recently burned units were left unburned for 2–3 years. Insects of 151 species were sampled in burned and unburned areas in a variety of ways. From May–October 1992–1997, random sweep samples were conducted at each site. In autumn 1992–1997, adhesive-coated plastic plates were placed to catch leafhoppers (Cicadellidae). Six moth caterpillars were sampled from 100–4,700 plant stems on 28 occasions. On three nights in 1997, black-light traps were used at two sites to sample three moth species. From June–July 1995–1997, butterflies were surveyed along transects and on 5-minute counts from random points at seven sites.

(Summarised by: Andrew Bladon)