Change in the use and cover of the Amazonian savanna enclaves jeopardizes non-volant small mammals (Mammalia: Didelphimorphia, Rodentia)

Summary

The Brazilian Amazon’s savanna enclaves harbour unique biodiversity but face escalating degradation, and their conservation value for non-volant small mammals (orders Didelphimorphia and Rodentia) remains poorly quantified. Using species distribution models and spatial prioritization ( Zonation software), we assessed: (1) whether protected areas (PAs) and Indigenous territories (ITs) overlap with high-importance habitats; (2) the mapping of priority savanna enclaves to support the conservation of species found exclusively in these habitats; and (3) the correlation between the remaining natural vegetation cover and conservation priority. Our results reveal that while ITs and strictly protected areas (SPAs) effectively conserve some functional guilds (e.g., insectivorous marsupials), critical savanna enclaves are both biologically significant and highly degraded. Negative correlations between habitat importance and vegetation cover highlight urgent conservation gaps. We advocate for expanded PA networks targeting savanna enclaves, habitat restoration and stronger integration of IT management to safeguard these irreplaceable ecosystems and their exclusive fauna.