Size-dependent response of tropical wetland fish communities to changes in vegetation cover and habitat connectivity

摘要: Context The replacement of native vegetation by exotic grasses for livestock production is driving landscape homogenization, habitat fragmentation and reducing connectivity between patches in floodplains ecosystems. Objective In this context we examined how changes cover, water depth affect the attributes small [standard length (SL)\80 mm as adults] large-sized fish assemblages (SL C 80 adults). Method We assessed effects depth, cover connectivityonthe abundance, species richness, body size andbiomassoffishassemblagesina25 km 2 areaofthe seasonal habitats Pantanal wetland over 5 years. Results showed that assemblage response to meso-scale variation sizedependent. gradient from natural did not small-sized fish,whichweremostlyregulatedbywaterdepth,habitat grassland forest. However, besides being affected connectivity, were also cover. Conclusion Our results indicate transformations dynamics inundation may have negative consequences long-term persistence wetlands.