Post-fire trajectories in atlantic forest regeneration: a case study in fragmented landscapes

Background: Forests in the Atlantic Forest Domain are increasingly threatened by fire, which disrupts their structure, biodiversity, and resilience. This study investigates how fire impacts functional diversity, community structure, and regeneration in fragmented forest patches near urban areas. Results: We analyzed three types of forest patches: Closed Forest, Perturbed Forest (Once-burned Forest), and Burned Forest (Twice-burned Forest). Significant differences were found in species composition, diversity, and structural parameters among these vegetation types. Closed Forests exhibited the highest levels of functional diversity, structural complexity, and species richness. In contrast, Perturbed and Burned Forests showed reduced functional diversity, lower communitylevel traits, and diminished resilience. Functional metrics, such as functional divergence (Fdiv) and functional richness (Fric), were notably lower in fire-affected areas. Additionally, fire occurrence influenced dispersal modes, with animal-dispersed species predominating and a notable absence of large-seeded species. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant impact of fire on forest regeneration. Recurrent fires lead to decreased species diversity and functional redundancy, transforming closed-canopy forests into more open, savanna-like landscapes. The absence of large-seeded and animal-dispersed species further impedes the regeneration and resilience of fragmented Atlantic Forests. These findings underscore the need for targeted conservation and management strategies to support forest recovery and maintain biodiversity in fire-prone regions.