Impact of Wildfire on Soil Fauna Community Structure Post-Burning

Abstract

Wildfire represents one of the most significant disturbances affecting terrestrial ecosystems globally, with profound implications for soil faunal communities. This review synthesises current knowledge on the impact of wildfire on soil fauna, with a focus on the changes in multi-trophic community structure following burning events. We examine how wildfires affect heterogeneous landscapes, soil faunal activity patterns, and the loss of subterranean biodiversity. Evidence indicates that wildfire impacts vary considerably across different taxonomic groups, with immediate adverse effects on surface-dwelling fauna and variable recovery rates depending on fire severity, soil depth, and ecosystem type. Microarthropods, nematodes, and enchytraeids exhibit differential responses to fire disturbance, with some groups demonstrating remarkable resilience, while others experience prolonged population declines. The heterogeneous nature of burned landscapes creates a mosaic of microhabitats that influences recolonisation patterns and community assembly. This review highlights critical knowledge gaps and emphasises the need for long-term studies to understand the full implications of increasing wildfire frequency on soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.