Fire Regimes and the Demography of the LizardMicrablepharus atticolus(Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) in a Biodiversity Hotspot

• DOI: 10.2994/sajh-d-15-00011.1
• Publication Date: 2015-12-31T08:19:42Z
• Authors: Heitor C. de Sousa; Ana Hermínia S.B....; Bernardo M. Costa; Davi L. Pantoja; Gabriel H. Caetano; Tânia A. de Queiroz; Guarino R. Colli
• Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot; Shrubland

Disturbance caused by anthropogenic fires are increasingly affecting the biodiversity of fire-prone ecosystems worldwide. The Cerrado hotspot suffers higher deforestation rates than Amazonia and concentrates most burned areas in South America. To support adequate fire-management decisions Cerrado, knowledge on effects altered fire regimes upon its animal populations is necessary. Based a long-term, large-scale experiment, we investigated different demography gymnophthalmid Micrablepharus atticolus, an endemic lizard Cerrado. Because M. atticolus more abundant open habitats, predicted that frequent burns should favor populations. Over eight years, conducted mark-recapture study using pitfall trap arrays five 10 ha plots cerrado sensu stricto, subjected to prescribed burns. Using generalized linear mixed-models time series data information theoretic approach select demographic models, describe life history assess response apparent survival, detectability, recruitment burn climate variation. has annual cycle, with complete population turnover; breeding takes place during dry season, when activity higher, hatchlings appear wet season. Apparent increased short-run after passage all experimental plots. In long run, however, both fire-suppression severe were seemingly detrimental, presumably microclimatic conditions food availability. Short-term studies may not adequately Adequate management warranted for conservation inside outside protected areas, including reduction frequency severity physiognomies controlled, patch mosaic prevent excessive fuel accumulation denser physiognomies.