Changes in Lightning Fire Incidence in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, 1980–2016

A significant increase in lightning-caused fires has been observed in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) since 2000, with no corresponding changes in rainfall, soil dryness, or fuel load. Instead, the variability and mean of the driest conditions have predicted both the number and area of these fires, suggesting that a higher proportion of lightning strikes occurring during drier periods has enhanced ignition efficiency. This shift poses substantial challenges for heritage management, as projected increases in fuel loads and drier climates could further exacerbate fire incidence, threatening the site's globally significant natural and cultural values.

Styger, J., Marsden-Smedley, J., & Kirkpatrick, J. (2018). Changes in Lightning Fire Incidence in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, 1980–2016. Fire, 1(3), 38. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire1030038