Secondary Forest Fragments Research Articles

Tree Species Abundance Predictions in a Tropical Agricultural Landscape with a Supervised Classification Model and Imbalanced Data

Mapping species through classification of imaging spectroscopy data is facilitating research to understand tree species distributions at increasingly greater spatial scales. Classification requires a dataset of field observations matched to the image, which will often reflect natural species distributions, resulting in an imbalanced dataset with many samples for common species and few samples for less common species. Despite the high prevalence of imbalanced datasets in multiclass species predictions, the effect on species prediction accuracy and landscape species abundance has not yet been quantified. First, we trained and assessed the accuracy of a support vector machine (SVM) model with a highly imbalanced dataset of 20 tropical species and one mixed-species class of 24 species identified in a hyperspectral image mosaic (350–2500 nm) of Panamanian farmland and secondary forest fragments. The model, with an overall accuracy of 62% ± 2.3% and F-score of 59% ± 2.7%, was applied to the full image mosaic (23,000 ha at a 2-m resolution) to produce a species prediction map, which suggested that this tropical agricultural landscape is more diverse than what has been presented in field-based studies. Second, we quantified the effect of class imbalance on model accuracy. Model assessment showed a trend where species with more samples were consistently over predicted while species with fewer samples were under predicted. Standardizing sample size reduced model accuracy, but also reduced the level of species over- and under-prediction. This study advances operational species mapping of diverse tropical landscapes by detailing the effect of imbalanced data on classification accuracy and providing estimates of tree species abundance in an agricultural landscape. Species maps using data and methods presented here can be used in landscape analyses of species distributions to understand human or environmental effects, in addition to focusing conservation efforts in areas with high tree cover and diversity.

Vertical diversity patterns and biotic interactions of trap-nesting bees along a fragmentation gradient of small secondary rainforest remnants

Secondary rainforest remnants might contribute to biodiversity conservation and preservation of healthy interspecific interactions with ongoing fragmentation. We studied the vertical distribution of trap-nesting bees along a fragmentation gradient of secondary forest remnants in Costa Rica. Fragment size did not affect bee abundance, diversity, and parasitism and mortality rates. However, height and edge effects influenced bee communities. Bees were more abundant in the canopy and the understory compared to an intermediate height, and bee diversity was higher in the canopy. Tree location (forest edge, intermediate distance, forest center) did not affect abundance but did affect bee diversity since most species preferred the forest interior. The cuckoo bees Aglaomelissa duckei and Coelioxys sp. 1 only partly followed their hosts’ patterns, two Centris species. We conclude that an increasing amount of edge habitat will have negative consequences for bee communities and will reduce the conservation value of secondary forest fragments.

LITTERFALL ASSESSEMENT IN A FRAGMENT OF SECONDARY TROPICAL FOREST, IBIÚNA, SP, SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL1

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to analyze the production and decomposition of litterfall in a fragment of secondary Atlantic forest in the region of Ibiúna, SP, from April 2012 to March 2013. The litterfall production was estimated by 30 collectors distributed randomly in an area of 1000 m2, where the deposited material was collected every 15 days. The decomposition of litterfall was estimated through the mass loss in the period of study. After collecting, the material was dried in an oven at 65 °C for seven days to achieve a constant weight. The decomposition constant k was obteined according to Shanks and Oslon (1961) and the time for 50% and 95% of decomposition was estimated. It was found a higher litterfall production in October (454.3 kg ha-1) and lower production in July (164.9 kg ha-1), with a total amount produced of 3.5 Mg ha-1 year-1. A delay of one month in the precipitation and relative humidity showed great influence in the litter production during the study. The decomposition rate (k) was 3.1 and the time to decompose 50% of the material was estimated in 2 and ½ months and for 95% of the litterfall the time was estimated in 11 and ½ months. The production and decomposition values of this work are within the range found in other sites of secondary tropical forests.

Post-stripping recolonization of vascular epiphytes in cloud-forest fragments in Mexico

Abstract:The response of vascular epiphyte communities following natural or human disturbance has been little studied. Over 5 y, we evaluated the post-stripping recolonization of vascular epiphytes in cloud forest. Vascular epiphytes were experimentally removed from branch and trunk plots (1 m in length) on five trees in two secondary cloud forest fragments in southern Mexico. Similarity between colonizer and established communities was compared in each fragment using a further five trees with no stripping. All seedlings were recorded yearly. Non-vascular epiphyte cover was estimated in each plot. The recolonization rate was very high; after 5 y, epiphyte density of the colonizer community (27.4 ± 6.8 individuals per segment) reached similar values to those of the established community (26.7 ± 3.3) in nearby trees. While similarity (composition and abundance) between the colonizer community and established community was high (81%), diversity accumulation curves indicated that the colonizer community presents a lower diversity of epiphytes (5.5 equivalent species) than the established community (11.4). Colonization of xerophytic bromeliads was high, while pteridophytes and orchids presented reduced recovery. The immediately surrounding source of propagules had a strong influence on recolonization. In both the colonizer and established communities, dominance rank was bromeliads > peperomias > pteridophytes. The results show that the recovery capacity of epiphytic vegetation in secondary forest is high, if propagule sources are close by. However, at 5 y after disturbance, it is unclear whether the colonizer community would present the same species composition as the established community or if it would give rise to a different community.

Interactive effects of habitat fragmentation and microclimate on trap-nesting Hymenoptera and their trophic interactions in small secondary rainforest remnants

The combined effects of habitat fragmentation and climate change on biodiversity and biotic interactions are poorly understood. In the context of ongoing deforestation and agricultural intensification in the tropics secondary rainforest fragments might contribute to biodiversity conservation and mitigation of climate warming. This study investigated the interactive effects of habitat fragmentation and microclimate on the abundance and biotic interactions of trap-nesting bees and wasps in secondary forest fragments in the northwestern lowlands of Costa Rica. Fragment size did not affect hymenopteran abundance, parasitism and mortality rates, but all variables differed between edge and interior locations in the forest fragments. Interactive effects between size and location indicate higher mortality rates at interior locations in larger fragments. Microclimatic differences at edge and interior locations led to significant effects on all tested response variables. Abundance at interior locations was significantly higher with increasing temperatures. Mortality rates at interior location increased at lower mean temperatures, whereas higher temperatures at edges marginally increased mortality rates. Our results indicate that edge effects, mediated by altered microclimatic conditions, significantly change biotic interactions of trap-nesting hymenopterans in small secondary fragments.

Changes in the fruiting landscape relax restrictions on endozoochorous tree dispersal into deforested lands

AbstractQuestionPassive forest restoration is based on the natural recovery of degraded habitats. However, tree recruitment is frequently hampered in deforested lands. Tree seed dispersal is scarce and spatially constrained, confining the potential of forest regeneration to a narrow band surrounding forest remnants. Understanding how landscape configuration can favour endozoochorous seed dispersal into deforested lands is thus crucial to recover forest extent and the concomitant ecosystem services. Can distance restrictions on seed dispersal be modified as a result of temporal variability of fruit–frugivore systems?LocationDeforested montane pastures surrounding fragments of secondary temperate forest, Cantabrian Range, Spain.MethodsFor 2 yr, we evaluated the patterns of fruit production, frugivorous bird movement and tree seed dispersal through the landscape. Seed dispersal in deforested sampling stations was related to their distance to forest cover and the amount of forest cover in their surroundings.ResultsThe large‐scale spatial distribution of fruits varied strongly between years, with relatively higher fruit production in isolated trees within pastures in the second year, when birds were more frequently observed perching on isolated trees. In both years, few seeds were dispersed into deforested areas, and those dispersed occurred close to forest cover. Nevertheless, seed arrival at longer distances increased during the second year. When more fruits were produced within the pastures, birds more often overcame their reluctance to leave the forest, and this change in frugivore foraging patterns cascaded into the spatial patterns of seed dispersal.ConclusionsBy influencing frugivore activity, temporal dynamism in fruiting landscapes can relax the restriction on tree seed dispersal into deforested areas. Landscape biological dynamism should be taken into account in order to manage rewilding in European temperate forests.

Rola-bostas (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) de florestas e pastagens no sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira: Levantamento de espécies e guildas alimentares

Os besouros rola-bostas são insetos copro-necrófagos e utilizam primariamente fezes e carcaça de mamíferos como fonte de alimento e nidificação. Estes insetos são sensíveis à modificação do habitat principalmente relacionados à cobertura da vegetação. A substituição da floresta Amazônica por pastagem altera drasticamente o habitat das espécies nativas e acarreta redução da riqueza de espécies e modificação na composição das assembleias locais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender os efeitos da substituição da floresta nativa por pastagem introduzida na riqueza, abundância, composição de espécies e estrutura das guildas alimentares dos besouros rola-bostas no sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira. Foram coletados 10.073 indivíduos de besouros rola-bostas pertencentes a 84 espécies e 22 gêneros. As florestas (seis fragmentos de floresta secundária) apresentaram 71 espécies em sua maioria com abundância intermediária. As pastagens (áreas vizinhas onde a floresta original foi substituída por pastagens introduzidas) apresentaram redução significativa no número de espécies, e composição de espécies diferente. Nas florestas a maioria das espécies foi considerada generalista, enquanto as pastagens apresentaram maior abundância de espécies coprófagas o que demonstra uma modificação na guilda alimentar causado pela substituição da floresta por pastagem. Entre as 30 espécies coletadas nas pastagens, doze estão presentes em vegetação aberta nativa (cerrado e chaco). Isto retrata, provavelmente, um processo de colonização regional recente. Onde espécies de besouros rola-bostas, oriundas de áreas abertas, estão invadindo as pastagens amazônicas.

Litter fall production and decomposition in a fragment of secondary Atlantic Forest of São Paulo, sp, southeastern Brazil

Litter fall consists of all organic material deposited on the forest floor, being of extremely important for the structure and maintenance of the ecosystem through nutrient cycling. This study aimed to evaluate the production and decomposition of litter fall in a secondary Atlantic forest fragment of secondary Atlantic Forest, at the Guarapiranga Ecological Park, in São Paulo, SP. The litter samples were taken monthly from May 2012 to May 2013. To assess the contribution of litter fall forty collectors were installed randomly within an area of 0.5 ha. The collected material was sent to the laboratory to be dried at 65 °C for 72 hours, being subsequently separated into fractions of leaves, twigs, reproductive parts and miscellaneous, and weighed to obtain the dry biomass. Litterbags were placed and tied close to the collectors to estimate the decomposition rate in order to evaluate the loss of dry biomass at 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days. After collection, the material was sent to the laboratory to be dried and weighed again. Total litter fall throughout the year reached 5.7 Mg.ha-1.yr-1 and the major amount of the material was collected from September till March. Leaves had the major contribution for total litter fall (72%), followed by twigs (14%), reproductive parts (11%) and miscellaneous (3%). Reproductive parts had a peak during the wet season. Positive correlation was observed between total litter and precipitation, temperature and radiation (r = 0.66, p<0.05; r = 0.76, p<0.05; r = 0.58, p<0.05, respectively). The multiple regression showed that precipitation and radiation contributed significantly to litter fall production. Decomposition rate was in the interval expected for secondary tropical forest and was correlated to rainfall. It was concluded that this fragment of secondary forest showed a seasonality effect driven mainly by precipitation and radiation, both important components of foliage renewal for the plant community and that decomposition was in an intermediate rate.

Tests of biological corridor efficacy for conservation of a Neotropical giant damselfly

Abstract Deforestation and forest fragmentation are important drivers of global biodiversity loss and negatively impact ecosystem health and landscape continuity. One approach to reducing these impacts is the establishment of biological corridors. Studies on corridor efficacy have been limited to a small subset of taxa; while important, these data can rarely be extrapolated to other systems. I tested whether Megaloprepus caerulatus , a giant tree-hole breeding damselfly adapted to mature Neotropical forests, can and does disperse from mature forest to fragments that are components of an established corridor. I monitored presence of M. caerulatus in four secondary forest fragments of the San Juan-La Selva biological corridor network and in the contiguous La Selva forest. I compared densities of adult M. caerulatus and larval presence in artificial and natural breeding sites over the course of one year. None of the artificial holes in fragments were colonized by M. caerulatus whereas at La Selva 25% of artificial holes and 63% of natural tree holes were colonized. I tested M. caerulatus ‘s ability to fly over pasture between fragments with a dispersal challenge experiment. Although the damselfly successfully crossed gaps of 25 m, it had difficulty traversing gaps as narrow as 50–100 m. Based on analysis of 360° photos taken from each release distance, the forest edge was less distinguishable from distances ⩾50 m. These results suggest limited conservation utility of existing biological corridor networks for M. caerulatus .

Influence of Abiotic Factors and Floral Resource Availability on Daily Foraging Activity of Bees

In this study, the daily and seasonal influences of abiotic factors and the amount of floral resources on the foraging frequency of bees were determined. The experiments were performed, during 12 consecutive months, in the main floral sources used by bees in a secondary forest fragment. The foraging frequency of each bee species on flowers of each plant was recorded for 20-min periods, every hour. To verify whether the foraging activity is influenced by abiotic factors, Pearson’s correlation analysis and linear regression tests were performed for the dominant bee species. Temperature and luminosity were the two main abiotic factors regulating foraging activities of bees. A positive correlation was found between the foraging frequency of most bees and these two variables. Conversely, the foraging activity was influenced neither by the relative humidity nor by the wind speed. The activity of each species depends on a combination of factors that include not only abiotic variables, but also the amount of floral resources available during the day, body size, and behavior of each visitor. After a certain period of the day, the scarcity of floral resources produced by most plants can stimulate the bees to forage in the flowers early in subsequent days, which may occur before the period in which the abiotic conditions are really favorable.

Wildlife in our backyard: interactions between Wied's marmoset Callithrix kuhlii (Primates: Callithrichidae) and residents of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil

Ecological and behavioral plasticity allow marmosets, genus Callithrix, to adapt and succeed in urban areas. This research assess proximity and relationships between Wied's marmoset Callithrix kuhlii, domestic animals and residents of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil. We collected data on the species' urban ecology and biology, since it has been little studied so far. Tools for data gathering included semi‐structured interviews, direct observations and GPS‐mapping. There were sightings within the three major districts of Ilhéus, with 37% of positive questionnaires (n = 359) for marmoset sighting at least weekly. Therefore, marmosets were considered common in this city. Most records and frequent sightings were associated with secondary forest fragments, backyards with fruit trees and mangroves. Marmosets travel among urban fragments using electrical and phone wires and crossing roads. There is a relatively small number of accidents when compared to the number of sightings, with electrocution as the most common. Visitation of marmosets to households, attracted by food provisioning, was considered frequent. People feel pity for the marmosets and lure them to their houses through food, but offered items are not always suitable. Marmoset exploration of uncommon habitats, such as mangroves, might be driven by a lack of larger forest fragments within the city.

Manilkara dardanoi (Sapotaceae): the rediscovery of an endemic and threatened species in northeastern Brazil

The present study reports the rediscovery of Manilkara dardanoi in the Atlantic Forest, which complements the original description of this species. As the only previous reports of M. dardanoi date from 1950 and 1952, excursions were made to various municipalities in Pernambuco, and collections housed in Brazilian herbaria were consulted. The rediscovery of this species occurred in a secondary forest fragment in Pernambuco State. The species M. dardanoi is endemic to northeastern Brazil, and its rediscovery demonstrates the value of intensive collection during floristic studies, with four samples collected.

Fine-scale genetic structure of the threatened rosewood Dalbergia nigra from the Atlantic Forest: comparing saplings versus adults and small fragment versus continuous forest

Assessing the population genetic structure of threatened species is important for developing successful conservation strategies. In this study, we evaluated the fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) of Dalbergia nigra from a regenerating secondary forest fragment and compared it with previous data from a primary forest of a large reserve. A total of 107 adult and 111 saplings were mapped and genotyped for seven microsatellite loci. The genetic diversity was high and similar in adults (He = 0.682) and saplings (He = 0.680). The spatial extent of SGS was higher in adults than in saplings. Overlapping generations in the potentially reproductive individuals is the likely explanation for the higher SGS in adults (Sp = 0.016) in relation to the saplings (Sp = 0.010). The SGS in the adults from the secondary forest fragment was similar to that found in the primary forest. Considering the SGS found in adults, from both the secondary and primary forests, seeds for ex situ conservation should be collected from trees at least 80 m apart to reduce the genetic similarity between samples. These results highlight the importance of preserving small forest fragments to allow successful regeneration and maintenance of the genetic diversity in D. nigra.

The Importance of Poneromorph Ants for Seed Dispersal in Altered Environments

Changes in species composition and an increase in the probability of local or regional extinctions alone are considered alarming consequences of human disturbances. However, these changes bring other damages that have passed unnoticed by scientists, such as the loss of ecological interactions. In the present study, we assessed fragments of secondary forest and pastures focusing on two aspects of the seed dispersal process: removal rate and dispersal distance. We collected data in forest fragments named Forest 1 (6 ha), Forest 2 (36 ha), and Forest 3 (780 ha), and in a pasture in the municipality of Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. In each site, we established 40 observation stations containing six seeds of Carica papaya L. (papaya) and monitored seed removal for 2 h at each station. Seventeen ant species removed a total of 316 seeds (32.92% of the seeds). The species that removed the highest number of seeds was Pachycondyla striata Fr. Smith, followed by Odontomachus chelifer (Latreille). The seed removal rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05, Tukey test) in the forest fragment where larger species were more frequent. The average removal distance was significantly longer in two out of three forest fragments (P < 0.05, Tukey test). Larger ants removed more seeds and for longer distances. Hence, seed dispersal was increased by the presence of large-bodied ant species and their high frequency in forest fragments seed dispersal.

Coffee Agroforests Remain Beneficial for Neotropical Bird Community Conservation across Seasons

Coffee agroforestry systems and secondary forests have been shown to support similar bird communities but comparing these habitat types are challenged by potential biases due to differences in detectability between habitats. Furthermore, seasonal dynamics may influence bird communities differently in different habitat types and therefore seasonal effects should be considered in comparisons. To address these issues, we incorporated seasonal effects and factors potentially affecting bird detectability into models to compare avian community composition and dynamics between coffee agroforests and secondary forest fragments. In particular, we modeled community composition and community dynamics of bird functional groups based on habitat type (coffee agroforest vs. secondary forest) and season while accounting for variation in capture probability (i.e. detectability). The models we used estimated capture probability to be similar between habitat types for each dietary guild, but omnivores had a lower capture probability than frugivores and insectivores. Although apparent species richness was higher in coffee agroforest than secondary forest, model results indicated that omnivores and insectivores were more common in secondary forest when accounting for heterogeneity in capture probability. Our results largely support the notion that shade-coffee can serve as a surrogate habitat for secondary forest with respect to avian communities. Small coffee agroforests embedded within the typical tropical countryside matrix of secondary forest patches and small-scale agriculture, therefore, may host avian communities that resemble those of surrounding secondary forest, and may serve as viable corridors linking patches of forest within these landscapes. This information is an important step toward effective landscape-scale conservation in Neotropical agricultural landscapes.

Influence of Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on the Use of the Most Abundant and Attractive Floral Resources in a Plant Community.

Some factors influence the distribution of abundance of floral visitors, especially the amount and quality of the floral resources available, the size of the area occupied by the visitor, habitat heterogeneity, and the impact caused by natural enemies and introduced species. The objective of this research was to evaluate the distribution of abundance of the foraging activity of native floral visitors and Apis mellifera L. in the most abundant and attractive food sources in a secondary forest fragment with features of Cerrado-Atlantic Forest. Some plant species were selected and the frequency of foraging made by floral visitors was recorded. A high abundance of visits in flowers was performed by A. mellifera. Two factors may have influenced this result: (1) the occupation of the forest fragment predominantly by vines and shrubs at the expenses of vegetation with arboreal characteristics that favored the encounter of the flowering plants by A. mellifera; (2) rational beekeeping of A. mellifera, causing the number of natural swarms which originate annually from colonies of commercial apiaries and colonies previously established in the environment to be very high, thus leading to an increase in the population size of this bee species in the study site. The frequent occurrence of human-induced fire and deforestation within the forest fragment may have reduced the population size of the bee species, including A. mellifera. As the populations of A. mellifera have the capacity to quickly occupy the environment, this species possibly became dominant after successive disturbances made in the forest fragment.

Abiotic and Biotic Influences on Early‐Stage Survival in Two Shade‐Tolerant Tree Species in Brazil's Atlantic Forest

AbstractRegeneration dynamics in tropical forests are driven by many abiotic and biotic factors, including light availability, litter depth, and density‐dependent interactions with enemies. Whether ontogenetic stage also can play a critical role, however, is seldom considered. We address how early‐stage survival of two shade‐tolerant species is affected by canopy openness, litter depth, ontogenetic stage, and conspecific neighborhood in the understories of secondary forest fragments in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We monitored the survival of naturally occurring early‐stage individuals of one canopy and one understory tree species in six forest fragments for over 2 yr. We then compared how different abiotic and biotic variables, as well as the initial height of seedlings and the length of time interval, influenced variation in survival using generalized linear mixed‐effects models. Survival of the canopy species was negatively affected by light availability, while for the understory species increasing light availability either increased (for seedlings) or decreased (for saplings) survival. In addition, survival of both species at the seedling stage was positively related to litter depth. Finally, we found that conspecific neighbors were an important biotic factor reducing survival. Our results suggest different regeneration niches for these two tree species related to light availability. Moreover, we found that the effect of both abiotic factors depends on ontogenetic stage, a critical factor for understanding regeneration niches in the forest understory.

Effects of forest disturbance and habitat loss on avian communities in a Neotropical biodiversity hotspot

Regenerating forests are increasingly ubiquitous in tropical landscapes. They hold great conservation potential and there is demand for assessments of their biodiversity value. Forest disturbance and forest loss often occur together, yet few studies attempt to disentangle their separate effects on biological communities. In the Ecuadorian Chocó, a biodiversity hotspot, we sampled understory birds in patches with increasing levels of disturbance (old-growth, selectively-logged, and secondary forests) within contiguous forest and in fragments. Species richness increased with disturbance but decreased with habitat loss, with a 75% reduction in endemic and threatened species in fragments compared to contiguous forest. This reduction in richness was most pronounced in secondary forest fragments, suggesting that disturbance and habitat loss interact synergistically to maximally reduce avian biodiversity. Species composition was strongly affected by habitat loss and, to a lesser extent, disturbance, with forest fragments and secondary forests presenting distinct communities dominated by generalists with medium-to-low sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance and reduced proportions of endemics and endangered species. Capture rates also decreased (non-significantly) with habitat loss, and the relative abundance of dietary guilds varied in response to both habitat loss and disturbance. Our study shows that regenerating patches surrounded by contiguous forest can sustain high biodiversity levels and, when past habitat disturbance is mild, present similar communities to old-growth forests. In contrast, forest loss caused reductions in richness (especially in more disturbed patches), profound changes in community composition, and loss of species of conservation concern. These results underscore the importance of considering landscape context when evaluating the conservation value of disturbed forests.

Liana community ecology and interaction with Parapiptadenia rigida (Bentham) Brenan in a fragment of secondary forest

The development of effective silvicultural prescriptions for Atlantic forest secondary patches could offset the amount of exploitative logging in Amazonian forests. This study described the diameter growth response of Parapiptadenia rigida (Fabaceae), a dense wooded, fast-growing canopy tree, to liana competition in attempt to determine silvicultural prescriptions for this species in natural forests. Field procedures were carried out in one fragment of natural forest, in which one hundred 0.01ha plots and 50 individual trees of the target species were selected. We found 23 species in the liana community, which was strongly dominated by Senegalia tucumanensis (Fabaceae). P. rigida had more lianas infesting it compared to the overall forest and its presence increased the abundance of S. tucumanensis. Trees with more than 50% of the crown occupied by lianas had a lower height:diameter ratio. Liana below-ground competition, measured by liana basal area around target trees, reduced diameter increment in P. rigida. The studied species showed great potential for timber production due to fast growth, wood quality and carbon sequestration. The developed individual tree diameter growth model shows that silvicultural treatments could increase diameter growth to about 1.5cm/year.

Acacia woodlots, cattle and dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in a Mexican silvopastoral landscape

In landscapes where tropical dry forest was once the dominant vegetation type, traditional silvopastoral systems generate a range of natural and semi-natural habitats, namely fragments of secondary forest and fallow land in various stages of succession; essentially Acacia woodlots. This level of heterogeneity seems to favor the arrival and persistence of a large number of Scarabaeinae species. Changes in dung and carrion beetle assemblages were assessed in a silvopastoral landscape in Chiapas, Mexico by intensive sampling using baited pitfall traps. Total species richness decreased from late successional habitats to early successional habitats and average abundance per site was higher in the intermediate successional stages. The silvopastoral system studied is very dynamic; its components may remain constant or change over time, depending on management. These changing conditions lead to a variable local species richness and allow the permeability of certain species within the landscape. There was high species turnover among successional habitats, generating a gamma diversity similar to that of tropical dry forest landscapes and 2-fold higher than the highest recorded alpha diversity value. Silvopastoral systems can buffer the adverse effects of rapid expansion of open areas and the consequent reduction of tropical dry forest area generated by technified conventional systems.