In Australia, about 8 out of 10 forest fires are caused by lightning strikes. However, some bird species, such as black kites, whistling kites, and brown falcons, have been observed picking up burning sticks and moving them to new locations, starting new fires. It is believed that these birds do this to hunt prey that is fleeing from the fire.
These birds have been called "fire hawks" by indigenous Australians, and scientists are still debating whether birds can intentionally start fires. However, it is clear that some animals have learned to use fires to their advantage.
Other animals, such as raccoons and birds like marabous, also use fires to hunt prey. Some animals, like moose and kangaroos, have developed strategies to survive fires, such as waiting them out or running through the flames to escape.
Interestingly, animals that start fires, such as birds, are not the only ones that can cause fires. For example, birds perching on high-tension cables can cause accidental sparks, and in the past, people have even used birds to start fires, such as Princess Olga of Kiev, who used birds to capture a city.
Despite the dangers of fires, they can also have positive effects on nature, such as creating new habitats for some animals and promoting the growth of new vegetation. However, wildfires can also get out of control and create their own weather systems, causing more fires and damage.
Overall, the relationship between animals and fire is complex, and while some animals have learned to use fires to their advantage, others have developed strategies to survive them.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Around eight out of every ten forest fires in Australia are due to lightning strikes.
2. Animals are often the first to suffer from forest fires.
3. Many animals have evolved ways to escape from fires over millions of years.
4. Some birds of prey, such as the black kite, whistling kite, and brown falcon, are known to spread fires by carrying burning sticks in their claws.
5. These birds use the fires to hunt for small animals that are fleeing from the flames.
6. The indigenous population of Australia has known about "fire hawks" (birds that spread fires) for thousands of years.
7. Some animals, such as moose and kangaroos, have developed strategies to survive forest fires.
8. Amphibians can bury themselves in mud to escape fires.
9. Tortoises can dig burrows that serve as refuges for other animals during fires or hurricanes.
10. In the past, people have used birds to start fires, such as Princess Olga of Kiev, who used birds to capture a city by setting fire to it.
11. Animals have become accustomed to having fires in their natural habitats and have learned to behave accordingly.
12. Fires can have a positive effect on nature, such as providing more food for elks in burned pastures.
13. Natural spaces, such as forests and grasslands, can grow and change naturally over time, with fires acting as a "reset button".
14. Wildfires can be so intense that they can create their own weather systems, causing more fires.
15. Thunderstorms can help spread fires and lightning can cause new fires to start at great distances.