Ecology: Fire
Fire is a natural part of the forests of Australia. Fires may not destroy the forest but can cause changes in the forest structure. Even in fairly low intensity fires, the understorey plants are significantly damaged. This has important implications for species such as the helmeted honeyeater that use these plants as part of their habitat, for feeding, nest sites and protection from predators and competitors.
Two of the last three remaining populations of helmeted honeyeaters were wiped out by the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983.