O efeito do fogo nos ambientes e nas comunidades de aves no Rio Culuene, afluente do Rio Xingu

Abstract

Forest fires are becoming increasingly common in the southern Amazon, especially in the Culuene River region, in the Upper Xingu. These fires have profoundly affected the forest, changing its structure, reducing vegetation and impacting animal life. This study analyzed how fire has affected the birds that live in flooded areas called igapós. It also took into account the observations and knowledge of the Kuikuro and Kalapalo indigenous peoples, who live in this region and have a deep knowledge of the forest. To do this, automatic recorders were installed in 33 locations, including areas of unburned forest, savannah and areas that had already been burned. In total, 182 bird species were identified. Although the number of species remained similar between the sites, the types of birds found changed considerably. The preserved áreas had typical forest birds, while the burned areas had more species that adapt to open and disturbed environments. Analysis of the data showed that around 18% of these changes can be explained by the type of environment. In addition, interviews with indigenous people showed that 13 species no longer appeared in the burnt areas, which worries the local population. Indigenous knowledge has helped to better understand how fire affects not only the forest, but also the culture and way of life of those who live there. Combining science with traditional knowledge is essential for protecting the Amazon and facing the challenges caused by climate change.