The long-term absence of natural fires restructures the small-bodied mammal assemblages across a Protected Area of Brazilian Cerrado

Long-term absence of natural fires (17 years) significantly restructured small-bodied mammal assemblages in the Cerrado Protected Areas, leading to habitat homogenization and shifts in species composition. The study compared data from 2016–2017 (no fires) with 1999–2000 (fires present), revealing that most species adapted to both forest and savannah environments, unlike the distinct assemblages observed during natural fire regimes. This suggests fire absence alters local biodiversity dynamics, emphasizing its critical role in maintaining Cerrado ecosystems. The findings underscore the need for nuanced fire management strategies to preserve native biotas, as both excessive fires and their complete suppression negatively impact mammal communities.

de Souza, M. R., Filho, M. d. S., Guilherme, M. B. d. F., & Bogoni, J. A. (2025). The long-term absence of natural fires restructures the small-bodied mammal assemblages across a Protected Area of Brazilian Cerrado. Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation, 23(3), 165–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2025.05.003