WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Peatlands can be fire-shaped rather than simply fire-damaged. A new review describes subtropical eastern Australian peatlands as unusually carbon-dense systems whose biodiversity and function developed under recurrent fire.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
This is another reminder that disturbance ecology has to begin with the system’s evolutionary history.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
These subtropical peatlands have a particular ecological and fire history. The result should not be generalized to all peatlands or used as a blanket burning prescription.
SOURCE
npj Biodiversity · Smith, Ventura & Yule · 2026
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