Walia Special Edition on the Bale Mountains (2011) - Zoologische ...

than expected given there available area. This suggests that altitude does not influence peoples’
decisions to burn. However, examining distance to roads and distance to settlements independently,
both appear to influence fire frequency but not extent, with a greater number of fires occurring closer
to the roads compared to further away. The frequency of fires occurring from distances to settlement
follows a normal distribution with fewer fires occurring close to settlements and at far distances
from settlements. The greatest numbers of fires occurred between 3-9 km from settlements.
In summary, our study found that peak fires occur in the latter half of the dry season, particularly
the end of the season. With regard to vegetation type, while other vegetation types are being burnt as
expected, only Erica shrub appears to be burnt preferentially. Although Chromic Luvisols are also
burnt preferentially we propose that this is an indirect preference since this soil type is commonly
associated with Erica shrub, we suggest it is rather vegetation type rather then soil which is selected
for. Lastly, our study further suggests that accessibility (close to roads) and distances far enough
away from settlements not to cause damage to the settlements but not too far away, are key factors
that influence fire occurrence. Taking all factors into account however, we found that accessibility
was the main influencing factor for fire incidences but a mixture of vegetation type and accessibility
as well as vegetation type and distance to settlements largely influence fire extent.
Current park law enforcement occurs in the northern Gaysay Valley part of the park only,
where only a few fires have occurred in the past nine years (Fig. 4). In the recent past and presently,
no law enforcement occurs in any other area in the park where fire hot spots occur (Fig. 4). Fire hot
spots are those areas which have high frequency and large extent of fires and have faced repeated
burning over the years. It is aimed that the information provided in this study will facilitate the
development of a fire management plan. This study suggests that while fires occur throughout the
park, scouts should be deployed in the fire hot spot areas (focusing in Erica habitats) from the
middle of the dry season (January) focusing on roads and other accessible avenues and areas around
settlements. Further it is clear that engaging the communities in and around the park will be integral
in managing the occurrence of fire in the park.
<strong>Walia</strong>-<strong>Special</strong> <strong>Edition</strong> on the Bale Mountains 155