Why can more tundra fires reduce caribou habitat?

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Rolling tundra in Alaska with red, yellow, and green fall foliage, set against rugged mountains with patches of grass and exposed rock. — Tundra Alaskan mountain and tundra vegetation in the fall.

Increased frequency of tundra fires reduces caribou habitat primarily by decreasing the coverage of lichens.1

Lichens are a critical component of the tundra ecosystem and serve as a vital food source for caribou and reindeer, providing up to two-thirds of their diet. Because these organisms are slow-growing and often form extensive mats on the ground, they are highly susceptible to destruction by fire. When fires sweep through the tundra, they diminish the availability of this essential forage, which in turn reduces the quality and extent of the habitat available to support caribou populations.21