Broad‐headed spiny rats (Clyomys laticeps) as ecosystem engineers in the Brazilian savannah

Abstract

AbstractSoil disturbances promoted by the construction of subterranean systems are a classic example of ecosystem engineering. The broad‐headed spiny rat Clyomys laticeps caches seeds in subterranean systems excavated and occupied by its individuals, thus acting as potential ecosystem engineers in the Brazilian savannah. However, the effects of their activities on soil nutrient content and animal communities are still unknown. Here, we assessed the role of C. laticeps as an allogenic ecosystem engineer in a shrub savannah site. Our results demonstrated that C. laticeps subterranean systems, which contain three to seven burrow openings, provide a stable microclimate with lower temperatures and higher humidity than the outside environment, thus providing suitable habitat for several species. However, we found few animals associated with burrow systems, although previous studies recorded snakes, frogs, lizards and rodents using burrows as shelter. Both burrow architecture and methodological issues might explain the lack of a richer fauna using C. laticeps burrows. Arthropod abundance and diversity were similar between sites close to and away from C. laticeps burrow openings. Finally, mounds of soil accumulated surrounding burrow openings presented higher nutrient content (K, Ca, Mg) than soils collected inside burrow openings and control sites. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that C. laticeps acts as an ecosystem engineer, especially by modulating soil nutrient availability. Soil enrichment provided by C. laticeps burrowing activity may be particularly important in the Cerrado, due to low nutrient availability of soils and the contribution of edaphic factors on plant population dynamics in this biome, although future studies should focus on this issue. Given the accelerated habitat loss in the Cerrado and its effect on population decline of mammals, future studies should uncover the magnitude of engineering effects played by C. laticeps and pinpoint conservation actions to maintain their populations and their functional roles on ecosystems.