Abundance of epigaeic arthropods in a Brazilian savanna under different fire frequencies

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Fire is a major determinant of structure and dynamics in savannas, and the rapid increase of human activities in this biome has changed the natural burning regime. The effects of fire on the fauna of the cerrado (Brazilian savanna) are still poorly understood, and studies comparing sites frequently and infrequently burned are scarce. In this study, the abundance of epigaeic arthropod orders and trophic guilds was assessed in cerrado sites located in the Brazilian Central Plateau that were subjected to three burning frequencies: frequent (HighFi), intermediary (MidFi), and infrequent (LowFi).In general, we found a positive relationship between the abundance of epigaeic arthropods and fire frequency. When arthropods were analyzed by orders, the abundance of Collembola and Orthoptera was lower in the LowFi site, while for Hemiptera, it was higher in the MidFi site. No significant differences were found for Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Araneae.The abundance of detritivores and herbivores decreased from HighFi to LowFi, but did not change significantly for omnivores and predators. These results indicate that some arthropod groups may not only be resilient to fire effects, but actually might benefit from fire effects in the cerrado. Characterizing arthropod responses to burning frequency at high taxonomic or functional levels is important for applied studies. Based on the results of the current study, springtails and ants seem to be particularly appropriate focal groups for further exploratory studies on the effects of fire at the species level.

Effect of an accidental fire on Anastrepha fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) community in a conservation area of the Cerrado Biome

“…In our survey, the abundance of Anastrepha species, measured as numbers of adult flies captured per trap per day, showed different patterns for the periods before and after the fire, with increased numbers after the passage of fire. This is opposed to our previous hypothesis, but the increase may be explained by the availability of new plant resources, which in the Cerrado generally increases within a few weeks after a burning, in response to the release of mineral compounds (Uehara-Prado et al 2010). The rapid re-growth of the flora, with flowering and fruiting of many plant species, allowed Anastrepha species to re-colonize the area quickly.…”

“…It is possible that the frequency and annual season in which fire events occur in forests could adversely affect moisture, soil composition, composition of flora, fauna, and rates of succession (Uehara-Prado et al 2010). Generally, responses of arthropods to fire are species specific and vary according to the frequency of fires, the elapsed time between the burnings and the features of the specific animal or plant group under study (Frizzo et al 2011).…”

“…This may explain the response of the community of Anastrepha captured in the typical Cerrado after the fire, demonstrating high resilience. Although the fire likely caused extensive mortality of the insects, the vegetation could quickly recover and produce fruit, attracting species of frugivorous Tephritidae, including local species, to re-colonize the burned environment (swengel 2001;Uehara-Prado et al 2010). In addition, pupae buried in the soil may have survived a fast burning in the typical Cerrado.…”

“…ire is one main determinant of the environmental structure and population dynamics in the savannas (Uehara-Prado et al 2010). Its effects cause changes in the community structure of arthropods due to changes in the plant community (hartley et al 2007;Frizzo et al 2011).…”

Direct and Short-Term Effects of Fire on Lizard Assemblages from a Neotropical Savanna Hotspot

“…Seemingly, the increased capture rates we recorded in the short-term (12 months) after burns were the result of an increase in lizard abundance (immigration) or activity. Burns can augment lizard food supplies in many environments (Nicholson et al, 2006;Radke et al, 2008;Uehara-Prado et al, 2010), and some species may even move into recently burned areas because of the increased food abundance (Griffiths and Christian, 1996). The successional changes in vegetation and food abundance may result in dietary changes among lizards (Pianka and Goodyear, 2012).…”