A University of York scientist working to preserve forests has warned that vines that once protected vegetation from fire may now be drying into fuel.
Dr Andy Marshall, lead investigator in a collaborative, five-year Forest Restoration and Climate Experiment (FoRCE) study, says woody vines – called lianas – could become a fire hazard when dried by hot weather.
The study has implications for Australia’s forests and ecology following the recent devastating bush fires.
“Lianas growing extensively over the top of trees actually protect forests from fire, but if they’re not properly managed, dried lianas can act as fuel for fires,” said Dr Marshall, who holds joint positions at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) in Australia and the University of York.
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