Figure 8. Conceptual model of the key processes influencing large cavity tree death and collapse.

The processes include (1) natural disturbance (fire), (2) human disturbance (logging), (3) fire-logging interactions, (4) climate (although the effects of the moisture index on tree death were marginal in this study as indicated by the star * in the model), (5) productivity, and (6) time (as indicated by time varying death and collapse rates). These factors are underpinning accelerated large cavity tree loss and impaired large tree recruitment in Mountain Ash forests.