Fire characterization and forest responses to fire regimes across the Gran Chaco and Pantanal ecoregions. A multiscale approach

Abstract

Fire is a natural disturbance agent in many terrestrial ecosystems, with both positive and negative feedback depending on human and climatic influences. Its presence is closely tied to land use and productive systems. Certain ecosystems, such as savannas, oak forests, and pine forests, depend on fire to maintain their stability. However, changes in fire occurrence—regarding location, extent, frequency, intensity, and severity—directly or indirectly driven by human activities can disrupt natural fire regimes. These alterations can result in severe ecological impacts, including biodiversity loss, shifts in structure, composition, and species trajectories, changing landscape patterns.