Temporal dynamics in the diversity of birds and mammals in a landscape modified by forest fires

Abstract

Forest fires are the main factor of ecological disturbance by reducing suitable habitats for the feeding and reproduction of wild organisms. We evaluate the temporal dynamics of mammal and bird communities in a temperate ecosystem subjected to a forest fire. The work was carried out in Sierra de Álvarez, S.L.P, Mexico. To respond to this objective, we used the registration method based on sampling points using camera traps, considering three time periods (dry, rainy and cold season) both in the area where the fire occurred and in the part of the forest that had been preserved. Alpha diversity was analyzed through the indicators: q⁰, q¹ and q² in both areas. Similarity was compared through Venn diagrams and the degree of species turnover between both areas and time periods was analyzed, applying the Baselga method. We recorded 16 species of mammals and 15 of birds. In birds, no significant differences were found between the two treatments, however. For mammals, significant differences were detected in the three orders of diversity. We found changes in species composition between burned and preserved forest that depend on the season; in the cold season, seven shared species (six mammals and one bird); rains, 11 shared species (nine mammals and two birds); and dry, 11 shared species (eight mammals and three birds). Abundance and not species richness is the factor that best explains the temporal dynamics found with higher diversity values in the dry season.