Savanna Ecology - Fire and Drought Impact on Savanna Ecosystems

• Subject: Climate change, climate adaptation, Africa, savanna, biodiversity, remote sensing, UAS, UAV, fire, drought stress, environmental modelling
• Study site: South Africa
• Funding: DFG, German Research Foundation
• Duration: 2024– 2026
• Contact: Mirjana Bevanda, Matin Wegmann, Tobias Ullmann
• Webpage: https://savanna-ecology.org

Climate researchers expect increasing droughts due to climate change to increase tree mortality in savannahs, but the mechanisms of tree mortality are still poorly understood. In a rain exclusion experiment, no increased mortality was observed, indicating the adaptation of savannah trees to short dry periods. However, it is hypothesised that the combination of drought and fire is crucial for mortality, as fire causes hydraulic failure, similar to drought. Experiments are planned to investigate the interactive effects of fire and drought on tree mortality in both controlled and natural environments. Remote sensing technologies will be used to quantify tree responses spatially and temporally to contribute to adaptation to global change.