Habitat Quality, Not Patch Size, Modulates Lizard Responses to Habitat Loss and Fragmentation in the Southwestern Amazon

As deforestation frontiers expand in the tropics, understanding species responses is critical to inform efficient land-use management policies. Here we evaluated lizard changes landscape, habitat patch, and quality a frontier southwestern Brazilian Amazonia. We first considered overall assemblages then two subgroups of contrasting thermoregulation strategies. sampled lizards at 21 forest patches (42–7,035 ha) subject moderate disturbance (e.g., cattle intrusion selective logging). Based on 6,000 pitfall trap-days 60,000 m visual surveys, recorded 215 individuals representing 15 species. Contrary expectations, richness abundance were not explained by any variables considered, including matrix quality, proportion cover, patch area shape, age since isolation, arthropod biomass, canopy openness, litter volume, tree density, fire history. However, composition persisting was determined structural complexity adjacent matrix. The that avoid direct sun exposure regulate their body temperature increased under more-complex structures areas decreased within more intensively affected past events. Disturbance likely patch-matrix contrast, contributing absence effects. Nevertheless, species-specific microhabitat requirements dictated part able persist fragmented landscape. Strategies aiming maximize diversity should embrace retention corridors/high-stature vegetation least some sites connecting remnants.