The small mammal community in chaparral undergoes a progression of predictable changes that are functions of the fire cycle. Some species of small mammals are killed directly by a fire, and most species are not found in chaparral immediately after a wildfire. Kangaroo rats are the only abundant species of rodent in chaparral immediately after a wildfire. Kangaroo rats survive chaparral fires by remaining in their relatively cool burrows. The number of species and population densities of rodents increase in the second and third years after a fire. Changes in the rodent community continue to take place for at least five years, and probably much longer. The number of species and the population density of small mammals would be maximized by breaking up chaparral into small areas of different ages, maximizing ecotones, emphasizing physical heterogeneity, and leaving a few areas of brush. Piling brush or mechanically disturbing the soil before prescribed burning probably increases the impact of habitat manipulation on small mammals.
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