Fire in the Cerrado

Abstract

The Cerrado comprises a complex of tropical grasslands and savannas that dominate the central part of Brazil, with smaller patches in the Amazonian region, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Its diverse array of landscapes and habitats renders it the world’s most diverse savanna ecosystem, where plants and animals have evolved under the influence of fire. This chapter outlines various adaptations of flora and fauna to cope with the frequent, rapid, and low-intensity fires characteristic of the Cerrado: rapid regrowth and intense flowering post-fire, protected buds, well-developed roots and subterranean organs, thick and insulating barks of trees are examples for plants. Animals exhibit behaviors such as seeking refuge in burrows and capitalizing on increased resources following fires. Fire also plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem regeneration across the Cerrado. Indigenous Cerrado inhabitants have learned to use fire as a management tool, potentially altering the natural fire regime towards increased frequency. Presently, anthropogenic fire regimes range from overly frequent to absent, both of which pose threats to Cerrado ecosystems. Scientific research seeks to identify suitable fire management strategies tailored to different conditions, supported by legislative frameworks. However, significant policy and knowledge gaps remain to be addressed.