Medium and large mammal responses to fire in a neotropical savanna system in Guyana

• DOI: 10.1111/btp.13397
• Publication Date: 2024-11-07T09:15:44Z
• Authors: Evi A. D. Paemelaere; Matthew T. Hallett; Kayla de Freitas; Susan Balvadore; Maxi Ignace; Allan Mandook; Nicholas Mandook; Matthew Lewis; Leroy Igancio; Mauritio Joaquim; Brian O'Shea; Nathalie van Vliet
• Keywords: Mammal; Tropical savanna climate

Abstract Fire management remains controversial worldwide, in spite of longstanding Indigenous burning practices that have shown benefits to biodiversity. In the Neotropics, limited information is available on wildlife response fire, particularly for medium and large mammals. We conducted 1 year transect surveys detect signs live sightings mammals Rupununi, Guyana, within a habitat matrix savanna, wetland, forest, where fire practiced. Species richness showed non‐linear relationship with time since fire. The number observations decreased Individual species responded differently, this may be explained by preference post‐fire resource availability. Savanna species—giant anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla ), nine‐banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus crab‐eating fox Cerdocyon thous )—favored while forest‐associated species—agouti Dasyprocta leporina ) tapir Tapirus terrestris )—avoided prone areas, although some no such response. Our data suggest Rupununi show an ecological traditional practices, but fires affecting forested areas or forest connectivity could negatively impact wildlife. recommend promotion knowledge among Peoples, integration expertise inform policies. Combining scientific help people adapt regimes are increasingly driven climate change anthropogenic activities savanna landscapes.