Abstract Fire is a major force that can shape mammal activity patterns and predator‐prey dynamics. We used camera trap data to investigate changes in temporal activity patterns of felid top predators such as jaguars ( Panthera onca ), pumas ( Puma concolor ), and their prey following fire events in the Brazilian Pantanal. Using kernel density estimation, we compared activity patterns between pre‐fire (2011–2013) and post‐fire (2020–2022) periods for 8 mammal species. We analyzed 3,824 detections (pre‐fire = 1,596; post‐fire = 2,228) across 6 prey species and 2 predator species. Our analysis revealed that 5 of 6 prey species and both predator species showed statistically significant changes in temporal activity patterns following fire (Watson's U 2 test, P 0.05), demonstrating behavioral resilience. In contrast, collared peccary ( Dicotyles tajacu ) exhibited the most drastic response with a −4.18‐hour shift in activity timing. These findings demonstrate fire‐induced behavioral plasticity in Neotropical mammals and provide a foundation for targeted conservation strategies, such as securing unburned refugia for sensitive species and timing restoration activities to accommodate altered activity patterns.
Aguiar et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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