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We introduce the AusTraits database - a compilation of values of plant traits for taxa in the Australian flora (hereafter AusTraits). AusTraits synthesises data on 448 traits across 28,640 taxa from field campaigns, published literature, taxonomic monographs, and individual taxon descriptions. Traits vary in scope from physiological measures of performance (e.g. photosynthetic gas exchange, water-use efficiency) to morphological attributes (e.g. leaf area, seed mass, plant height) which link to aspects of ecological variation. AusTraits contains curated and harmonised individual- and species-level measurements coupled to, where available, contextual information on site properties and experimental conditions. This article provides information on version 3.0.2 of AusTraits which contains data for 997,808 trait-by-taxon combinations. We envision AusTraits as an ongoing collaborative initiative for easily archiving and sharing trait data, which also provides a template for other national or regional initiatives globally to fill persistent gaps in trait knowledge.

Background: Fire danger rating systems are used daily across Australia to support fire management operations and communications to the general public regarding potential fire danger. Aims: In this paper, we introduce the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS), providing a short historical account of fire danger rating in Australia as well as the requirements for an improved forecast system. Methods: The AFDRS combines nationally consistent, spatially explicit fuel information with forecast weather and advanced fire behaviour models and knowledge to produce locally relevant ratings of fire behaviour potential. Key results: A well-defined framework is essential for categorising and defining fire danger based on operational response, the potential for impact and observable characteristics of fire incidents. The AFDRS is modular, supporting continuous and incremental improvements and allowing upgrades to components in response to new science. Conclusions: The AFDRS provides a new method to estimate fire danger based on the best available fire behaviour models, leading to potentially significant improvements in the way fire danger is calculated, forecast and interpreted. Implications: The Australian Fire Danger Rating System was implemented in 2022, the most significant change to fire danger forecasting in Australia in more than 50 years. We introduce the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS), providing a history of fire danger rating in Australia and requirement for advancements. We describe development, design principles and the supporting framework of the AFDRS as an introduction to subsequent papers in this series. This article belongs to the Collection Australian Fire Danger Rating System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Development of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System began in 2017 with a project aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of a new fire danger rating system through a Research Prototype (AFDRSRP) that accounted for variability in Australian vegetation types, was nationally applicable, modular and open to continuous improvement. Aims: In this manuscript, we identify and define transition points and categories for the AFDRSRP. We discuss user responses to the categorisation during a live trial evaluation of the AFDRSRP and reflect on limitations and potential improvements. Methods: A review of available literature, broad consultation with stakeholders and reanalysis of fire impact data were used to determine suitable thresholds for categorising fire danger within the AFDRSRP. Key results: Fire danger categories within the AFDRSRP reflect transitions in fire behaviour that result in application of different fire management strategies or are associated with variation in serious consequences and impacts. Conclusions: The AFDRSRP incorporated the best available science, supported by a well-defined framework for categorising and defining fire danger making it suitable for application across Australian fire jurisdictions and range of fuel types. Implications: The framework allows fire managers to assess the accuracy and appropriateness of forecasted fire danger. We identify and present defined categories and thresholds for the Australian Fire Danger Rating System: Research Prototype based on reflecting transitions in fire behaviour that result in application of different fire management strategies or associated with variation in potential for serious consequences and impacts. This article belongs to the Collection Australian Fire Danger Rating System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire is a common process that shapes the structure of grasslands globally. Rising atmospheric CO[sub 2] concentration may have a profound influence on grassland fire regimes. In this study, we asked (1) does CO[sub 2] and soil P availability alter leaf flammability (ignitibility and fire sustainability); (2) are leaf tissue chemistry traits drivers of leaf flammability, and are they modified by CO[sub 2] and soil P availability?; (3) does CO[sub 2] and soil P availability alter fuel load accumulation in grasslands; and (4) does CO[sub 2] and soil P availability alter the resprouting ability of grassland species? We found that leaf flammability increased under elevated CO[sub 2] levels owing to decreased leaf moisture content and foliar N, whereas fuel load accumulation increased owing to decreased foliar N (slower decomposition rates) and increased aboveground biomass production. These plant responses to elevated CO[sub 2] levels were not modified by soil P availability. The increase in leaf flammability and fuel load accumulation under elevated CO[sub 2] levels may alter grassland fire regimes by facilitating fire ignition as well as shorter fire intervals. However, the increased root biomass of grasses under elevated CO[sub 2] levels may enhance their resprouting capacity relative to woody plants, resulting in a shift in the vegetation structure of grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]