Effects of fire on the abundance of large mammalian herbivores in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Fire is an important ecological factor in Cerrado vegetation of Central Brazil. The effect of fire on the abundance of large mammalian herbivores was studied at Reserve Xavante do Rio das Mortes, a 32 9000 ha cerrado Reserve in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Track counts were used to compare the abundance of tapir, marsh deer and pampas deer along 7 burned and 7 unburned transects on 7 occasions between August 1995 and August 1996. The number of tracks in burned and unburned areas did not have significant differences. Mammal herbivores use burned areas probably because of renewed food resources. Fire management is recommended at Reserva Xavante do Rid das Mortes.