Fire‐mediated tree cavity reduction needs to be considered in reintroduction strategies for a critically endangered bird

Fire is an important agent of tree cavity creation and loss in some forest ecosystems. Even though cavity-bearing trees may be replaced over decades post fire, cavity-nesting animals depend on uninterrupted access to suitable nesting sites. Balancing the impacts fire availability recruitment cavities for wildlife important. We studied effects with nests Critically Endangered Orange-bellied Parrots Neophema chrysogaster evaluate how optimize both now into future. used field surveys quantify age-class distribution across species' historical range, climbed them reveal that only 16% Smithton peppermints Eucalyptus nitida supported a potentially nest cavity. incorporated this information simulation explored occurrence century under different regimes. predicted more frequent severe fires resulted lower probabilities persistence sites Parrots. Management foraging habitat requires regular burning moorlands adjacent forests where they nest. Our simulations show preventing these maximize probability by incorporating data true habitat, it possible simulate uncertain future perpetuation wildlife.