Often asked when learning about the fire cycle, is what happens to the tortoises during these fires – arent they all killed?
No, not often, or at least not as long as the natural order is permitted to run its course. If fires are prevented for extended periods however, the fire – when it does come – will have an excess of dry fuel to feed upon, and temperatures will rise far higher than they would if more regular, but faster fires occur. In these circumstances, wildlife casualties will be much higher. According to Ray Ashton, founder of GTCI, who has studied these animals extensively over many years, the tortoises have a keenly developed awareness of smoke in the air, and head for safety down the nearest burrow at the first sign of danger. There, they can sit out most fires of normal density and duration without suffering even a singe. In addition to providing much-needed protection in the event of an inferno, these burrows also provide a critical humid microclimate, which is utilized extensively. To learn more about the fire cycle, click here.
