AT this time of year, instinct tells us to stay warm and conserve energy, in our burrows, dens or caves.

Ever since its discovery, nothing conveys a feeling of warmth and comfort like the crackle and glow of a real fire.

These days we know the damage open fires and wood burning stoves can do to the environment, through pollution and contributing to climate change.

Increasing efficiencies in stove design, and using specially dried and smokeless fuel, limit damage as much as possible. 

Animals have a complex relationship with fire: those with a dog or cat know how much they love stretching out in front of one.

Reptiles, who will search out hot rocks on which to bask, have to be kept at a distance from our modern heaters as they can burn themselves without realising it.

For most wild animals, fire is a source of danger.

Small, local fires are a natural occurrence, but as we know from Australia, California and Greece, enormous wildfires devastate animal habitats and populations.

Surprisingly, many species actually require fire, albeit not to the devastating levels that climate change is causing.

Certain plants will only release seed following a fire whilst some seeds need a scorching before they will germinate.

Without fire, they won’t reproduce, and this affects anything that depends on them.

Australian Aborigines have long believed that some birds even use fire as a ‘tool’.

With birds like black kites and brown falcons deliberately picking up lit twigs in their beaks or talons to drop into dry grassland from above.

Though it is very difficult to demonstrate that any birds do actually make such plans, an accidentally collected twig could be alight, there is no doubt some make the most of the disaster.

The resulting fires flush out small birds, lizards, and insects, easy prey for the hawks to pick off as they flee the flames.

Many zookeepers will tell you their birds, parrots and the crow family especially, are among the most intelligent animals in the zoo.

If you watch our African starlings you may well observe some surprisingly intelligent behaviour or overhear unexpected mimicry.

Although I love a warm fire myself, I’m glad none of our residents have yet shown any tendency to pyromania.