• Adaptation: Sal trees have thick bark that provides protection against low-intensity fires. They also produce fire-resistant seeds that can germinate after fire events, helping to regenerate the forest.
• Thrive in: Sal-dominated forests of central and eastern India, which experience periodic fires.
• Adaptation: The jackalberry tree's thick, fire-resistant bark helps it survive and recover from wildfires. Its seeds are dispersed by animals and can germinate after fires to establish new growth.
• Thrive in: Dry deciduous forests of central and southern India, where fires are common.
• Adaptation: Indian crested porcupines are known to feed on grasses and other vegetation in fire-prone grasslands. They are adapted to move quickly through open habitats and can utilize burned areas for foraging.
• Adaptation: Indian rollers are often found perched on exposed branches in open grasslands. They are adapted to benefit from post-fire environments where burned vegetation can expose insects and small prey.
• Adaptation: Many grassland species in India have evolved the ability to resprout from their base after fires, allowing them to recover quickly. Grasses like elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and species like Indian rhubarb (Rheum spiciforme) exhibit these adaptations.
• Adaptation: These aquatic turtles can retreat into water bodies during fires, providing them with protection against the immediate impacts of fire.
• Adaptation: Birds like the Indian lark (Galerida cristata) and Indian bushlark (Mirafra erythroptera) are adapted to open habitats and grasslands, which can be rejuvenated by fires. They forage for insects and seeds in these post-fire environments.
These adaptations help these species survive and even thrive in fire-prone ecosystems of India. They demonstrate the interconnectedness between fire, ecology, and the adaptations that have evolved over time.
