A new study has revealed that fire patterns in wet, tropical forests in west and central Africa have been increasing over the past 18 years, particularly in the Congo Basin. This increase is primarily due to hotter, drier conditions and human activities such as deforestation. The study suggests that forest fires in these regions are likely to continue to rise based on current climate projections.
Researchers emphasize that wet forest fires, previously deemed less important than fires in dry woodlands and savannas, can no longer be ignored. The increase in forest fires in other historically wet regions, such as the U.S. Pacific Northwest and the Amazon, further underscores the need to study and address the issue in wet tropical forests. The study sheds light on where and when fires occur, what exacerbates them, and how they may change in response to climate change.
The study, led by ecologist Michael Wimberly of the University of Oklahoma, focused on tracking active fires in western and central Africa from 2003 to 2021 using satellite imagery. The researchers observed a significant increase in fire frequency over time, with the most pronounced increases seen in the Northwest Congolian Lowland Forests in 2021 compared to 2003. Deforestation was found to be a key factor driving fire activity, as it leads to elevated human activity and forest fragmentation, creating drier conditions that are more susceptible to fires.
An analysis of fire occurrences against weather patterns revealed strong associations between fires, high temperatures, and plant water stress indicators, particularly during the 2015-2016 “super El Niño.” This event brought abnormal heat and drought conditions to tropical Africa, highlighting the sensitivity of wet tropical forests to climate fluctuations. The study underscores the importance of addressing forest fires at their edges to prevent harmful feedback loops that increase fire risk, such as decreased canopy cover and increased fragmentation following a fire.
The findings of the study offer critical insights into how climate change could impact African forest fire activity, especially during El Niño years. The researchers stress the urgency of addressing tropical forest fires, as they are expected to become increasingly significant in the future. By recognizing wet forests as vulnerable to fires and acknowledging fire as a crucial impact of climate change in tropical ecosystems, researchers hope to raise awareness and prompt action to prevent further forest degradation.
Overall, the study highlights the need for more research and action to address the growing threat of forest fires in wet, tropical regions. By understanding the factors driving fire activity in these ecosystems, such as human influence and climate conditions, stakeholders can develop strategies to mitigate the risks and protect these valuable ecosystems from further degradation. The study underscores the growing importance of considering wet forest fires in conservation and climate change efforts to safeguard these critical habitats for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
