Effects of fire on the abundance of xenarthrans in Mato Grosso, Brazil

摘要: Fire is an important ecological factor in Cerrado vegetation of central Brazil, and other savanna ecosystems. The effect fire on the abundance some Xenarthran mammal species Priodontes maximus Kerr, 1792 (giant armadillo), Euphractus sexcinctus Linnaeus, 1758 (yellow armadillo) Myrmecophaga tridactyla anteater)) was studied at Reserva Xavante do Rio das Mortes, a 329 000 ha Indian reserve Mato Grosso, Brazil. Track counts were used to compare these mammals along seven burned unburned transects, occasions between August 1995 1996. number tracks areas did not differ. Xenarthrans probably use obtain food resources, basically termites ants. traditional hunts may reduce fuel accumulation function as mechanism prevent more destructive fires. management recommended because burning system Brazilian farmers already influencing community. knowledge about could be instrument for this management.