Heitor C Sousa
@bioheitorsousa.bsky.social
8/8 This was a massive team effort! 🙌 Authors: Raquel Acácio, myself (Heitor Sousa), Thiago Portelinha, Guarino Colli, & Adriana Malvasio. We are proud members of Rede Biota Cerrado, working to understand and conserve this biodiversity hotspot! 🇧🇷🌎🌿 #Herpetology #Ecology #SciComm #Cerrado #Neotropics
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
8/8 This was a massive team effort! 🙌 Authors: Raquel Acácio, myself (Heitor Sousa), Thiago Portelinha, Guarino Colli, & Adriana Malvasio. We are proud members of Rede Biota Cerrado, working to understand and conserve this biodiversity hotspot! 🇧🇷🌎🌿 #Herpetology #Ecology #SciComm #Cerrado #Neotropics
7/8 📉 The risk: If anthropogenic climate change alters precipitation and temperature patterns, this delicate synchronization could break. If hatchlings emerge into conditions that force "low performance," the population could collapse.
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
7/8 📉 The risk: If anthropogenic climate change alters precipitation and temperature patterns, this delicate synchronization could break. If hatchlings emerge into conditions that force "low performance," the population could collapse.
6/8 Our findings suggest that natural selection timed reproduction so hatchlings emerge exactly when microclimates allow for peak locomotor performance. For a vulnerable hatchling, being able to run at max speed is likely the difference between survival and predation.
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
6/8 Our findings suggest that natural selection timed reproduction so hatchlings emerge exactly when microclimates allow for peak locomotor performance. For a vulnerable hatchling, being able to run at max speed is likely the difference between survival and predation.
5/8 But Abundance tells a different story. The population actually peaks in the WET season (Dec-Jan). Why? Because that’s when the hatchlings arrive! 🐣 Recruitment is strongly correlated with rainy months.
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
5/8 But Abundance tells a different story. The population actually peaks in the WET season (Dec-Jan). Why? Because that’s when the hatchlings arrive! 🐣 Recruitment is strongly correlated with rainy months.
4/8 THE PARADOX: We captured the most adults in the DRY season. Yet, this is when their physiological performance is lowest due to suboptimal temperatures. They are forced to be active and exposed to find resources, even if they are physiologically "slow".
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
4/8 THE PARADOX: We captured the most adults in the DRY season. Yet, this is when their physiological performance is lowest due to suboptimal temperatures. They are forced to be active and exposed to find resources, even if they are physiologically "slow".
3/8 We put lizards on a race track! 🏃💨 We measured sprint speeds at different temperatures to build thermal performance curves. We then used microclimate data to estimate the "locomotor performance" available to lizards in the field for every month of the study.
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
3/8 We put lizards on a race track! 🏃💨 We measured sprint speeds at different temperatures to build thermal performance curves. We then used microclimate data to estimate the "locomotor performance" available to lizards in the field for every month of the study.
2/8 We monitored the endemic lizard Tropidurus oreadicus for 4 years in a vegetation gradient in Brazil. We wanted to know: Do environmental variables directly predict survival and recruitment? Or is the story more complex? Spoiler: Environmental variables alone didn't explain the growth.
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
2/8 We monitored the endemic lizard Tropidurus oreadicus for 4 years in a vegetation gradient in Brazil. We wanted to know: Do environmental variables directly predict survival and recruitment? Or is the story more complex? Spoiler: Environmental variables alone didn't explain the growth.
7/7 📲 Let’s act before tipping points lock species into vulnerable states. P.S. Late post, but urgent message! 🌍 #OpenScience #Cerrado
May 15, 2025 at 12:39 PM
7/7 📲 Let’s act before tipping points lock species into vulnerable states. P.S. Late post, but urgent message! 🌍 #OpenScience #Cerrado
6/7 🙌 Collaboration matters! Huge thanks to @biology.ox.ac.uk @unb-oficial.bsky.social @salgoteam.bsky.social @robsalgo.bsky.social teams and funders. We’ve shared all data to support global fire resilience efforts. 📄 Full code + datasets:
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
HeitorCSousa/DemographicResilience_CerradoLizards: Demographic Resilience Cerrado Lizards - v1.0.0
This repository provides all the data and code (to run in R) from the analysis of the study "Severe fire regimes decrease resilience of ectothermic populations", published in the Journal of Animal Eco...
doi.org
May 15, 2025 at 12:39 PM
6/7 🙌 Collaboration matters! Huge thanks to @biology.ox.ac.uk @unb-oficial.bsky.social @salgoteam.bsky.social @robsalgo.bsky.social teams and funders. We’ve shared all data to support global fire resilience efforts. 📄 Full code + datasets:
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
doi.org/10.5281/zeno...
5/7 🚨 Conservation call: We urge fire management that prioritizes HETEROGENEITY—avoiding severe, homogenizing regimes. Protect habitats that boost reproduction for vulnerable species (e.g., viviparous lizards). Policy makers, take note! #ScienceForAction
May 15, 2025 at 12:39 PM
5/7 🚨 Conservation call: We urge fire management that prioritizes HETEROGENEITY—avoiding severe, homogenizing regimes. Protect habitats that boost reproduction for vulnerable species (e.g., viviparous lizards). Policy makers, take note! #ScienceForAction
4/7 ⚖️ Trade-offs revealed:
✅ High-severity fires → ↑ Resistance
❌ But ↓ Compensation & slower recovery.
We found severe fires homogenize habitats, disproportionately affecting species with limited reproductive flexibility.
We show generation time and reproductive output predict resilience. #Ecology
✅ High-severity fires → ↑ Resistance
❌ But ↓ Compensation & slower recovery.
We found severe fires homogenize habitats, disproportionately affecting species with limited reproductive flexibility.
We show generation time and reproductive output predict resilience. #Ecology
May 15, 2025 at 12:39 PM
4/7 ⚖️ Trade-offs revealed:
✅ High-severity fires → ↑ Resistance
❌ But ↓ Compensation & slower recovery.
We found severe fires homogenize habitats, disproportionately affecting species with limited reproductive flexibility.
We show generation time and reproductive output predict resilience. #Ecology
✅ High-severity fires → ↑ Resistance
❌ But ↓ Compensation & slower recovery.
We found severe fires homogenize habitats, disproportionately affecting species with limited reproductive flexibility.
We show generation time and reproductive output predict resilience. #Ecology
3/7 🦎 Meet our study species:
• _Copeoglossum nigropunctatum_ (viviparous, slow-paced)
• _Micrablepharus atticolus_ (tiny, fixed clutch size)
• _Tropidurus itambere_ (multiple clutches)
#BrazilBiodiversity
• _Copeoglossum nigropunctatum_ (viviparous, slow-paced)
• _Micrablepharus atticolus_ (tiny, fixed clutch size)
• _Tropidurus itambere_ (multiple clutches)
#BrazilBiodiversity
May 15, 2025 at 12:39 PM
3/7 🦎 Meet our study species:
• _Copeoglossum nigropunctatum_ (viviparous, slow-paced)
• _Micrablepharus atticolus_ (tiny, fixed clutch size)
• _Tropidurus itambere_ (multiple clutches)
#BrazilBiodiversity
• _Copeoglossum nigropunctatum_ (viviparous, slow-paced)
• _Micrablepharus atticolus_ (tiny, fixed clutch size)
• _Tropidurus itambere_ (multiple clutches)
#BrazilBiodiversity
2/7 📊 For 14 years, we tracked 3 lizard species in Brazil’s Cerrado savanna under varying fire regimes. Using mark-recapture data + Bayesian models, we linked vital rates (survival, growth, reproduction) to fire severity. Spoiler: Life history drives resilience. #WildlifeScience
May 15, 2025 at 12:39 PM
2/7 📊 For 14 years, we tracked 3 lizard species in Brazil’s Cerrado savanna under varying fire regimes. Using mark-recapture data + Bayesian models, we linked vital rates (survival, growth, reproduction) to fire severity. Spoiler: Life history drives resilience. #WildlifeScience
**10/ Engage Further**
– Follow #FireEcology #ConservationScience #Brazil
– Support @UFT @UnB initiatives in sustainable fire management.
– Share this thread to spark global conversations! 🌱
– Follow #FireEcology #ConservationScience #Brazil
– Support @UFT @UnB initiatives in sustainable fire management.
– Share this thread to spark global conversations! 🌱
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**10/ Engage Further**
– Follow #FireEcology #ConservationScience #Brazil
– Support @UFT @UnB initiatives in sustainable fire management.
– Share this thread to spark global conversations! 🌱
– Follow #FireEcology #ConservationScience #Brazil
– Support @UFT @UnB initiatives in sustainable fire management.
– Share this thread to spark global conversations! 🌱
**9/ Access the Study**
*“Prioritizing fire management goals in a biodiversity hotspot”*
🔗 [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2025.03.005](doi.org/10.1016/j.pe...)
*“Prioritizing fire management goals in a biodiversity hotspot”*
🔗 [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2025.03.005](doi.org/10.1016/j.pe...)
Redirecting
doi.org
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**9/ Access the Study**
*“Prioritizing fire management goals in a biodiversity hotspot”*
🔗 [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2025.03.005](doi.org/10.1016/j.pe...)
*“Prioritizing fire management goals in a biodiversity hotspot”*
🔗 [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2025.03.005](doi.org/10.1016/j.pe...)
**8/ Quotes from the authors**
@bioheitorsousa.bsky.social: *“Fire isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. But we need dialogue to use it wisely.”*
Guarino Colli: *“Brazil’s Cerrado can model how to unite conservation and development.”*
@bioheitorsousa.bsky.social: *“Fire isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. But we need dialogue to use it wisely.”*
Guarino Colli: *“Brazil’s Cerrado can model how to unite conservation and development.”*
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**8/ Quotes from the authors**
@bioheitorsousa.bsky.social: *“Fire isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. But we need dialogue to use it wisely.”*
Guarino Colli: *“Brazil’s Cerrado can model how to unite conservation and development.”*
@bioheitorsousa.bsky.social: *“Fire isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. But we need dialogue to use it wisely.”*
Guarino Colli: *“Brazil’s Cerrado can model how to unite conservation and development.”*
**7/ Global Relevance**
Lessons for fire-prone savannas worldwide:
– **Collaborative governance** (locals + scientists) reduces wildfire risks.
– **Traditional knowledge** is key to sustainable fire use.
– **Climate resilience** depends on balancing ecology and livelihoods.
Lessons for fire-prone savannas worldwide:
– **Collaborative governance** (locals + scientists) reduces wildfire risks.
– **Traditional knowledge** is key to sustainable fire use.
– **Climate resilience** depends on balancing ecology and livelihoods.
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**7/ Global Relevance**
Lessons for fire-prone savannas worldwide:
– **Collaborative governance** (locals + scientists) reduces wildfire risks.
– **Traditional knowledge** is key to sustainable fire use.
– **Climate resilience** depends on balancing ecology and livelihoods.
Lessons for fire-prone savannas worldwide:
– **Collaborative governance** (locals + scientists) reduces wildfire risks.
– **Traditional knowledge** is key to sustainable fire use.
– **Climate resilience** depends on balancing ecology and livelihoods.
**6/ Policy Implications**
Brazil’s new **National IFM Plan (Law 14.944/2024)** is a step forward, but success requires:
✅ Training programs for rural communities.
✅ Faster licensing for prescribed burns.
✅ Science-based monitoring of fire regimes.
Brazil’s new **National IFM Plan (Law 14.944/2024)** is a step forward, but success requires:
✅ Training programs for rural communities.
✅ Faster licensing for prescribed burns.
✅ Science-based monitoring of fire regimes.
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**6/ Policy Implications**
Brazil’s new **National IFM Plan (Law 14.944/2024)** is a step forward, but success requires:
✅ Training programs for rural communities.
✅ Faster licensing for prescribed burns.
✅ Science-based monitoring of fire regimes.
Brazil’s new **National IFM Plan (Law 14.944/2024)** is a step forward, but success requires:
✅ Training programs for rural communities.
✅ Faster licensing for prescribed burns.
✅ Science-based monitoring of fire regimes.
**5/ Why the gap?**
– **Education matters**: Higher education correlates with prioritizing biodiversity.
– **Age plays a role**: Older residents undervalue fire’s ecological role.
– **Policy barriers**: Lack of training and stigma around fire use persist.
– **Education matters**: Higher education correlates with prioritizing biodiversity.
– **Age plays a role**: Older residents undervalue fire’s ecological role.
– **Policy barriers**: Lack of training and stigma around fire use persist.
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**5/ Why the gap?**
– **Education matters**: Higher education correlates with prioritizing biodiversity.
– **Age plays a role**: Older residents undervalue fire’s ecological role.
– **Policy barriers**: Lack of training and stigma around fire use persist.
– **Education matters**: Higher education correlates with prioritizing biodiversity.
– **Age plays a role**: Older residents undervalue fire’s ecological role.
– **Policy barriers**: Lack of training and stigma around fire use persist.
**4/ Key Findings**
– **Perception Gap**: Only ~35% of rural residents see fire as a tool (vs. 72% of specialists).
– **Perception Gap**: Only ~35% of rural residents see fire as a tool (vs. 72% of specialists).
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**4/ Key Findings**
– **Perception Gap**: Only ~35% of rural residents see fire as a tool (vs. 72% of specialists).
– **Perception Gap**: Only ~35% of rural residents see fire as a tool (vs. 72% of specialists).
**3/ Key Findings**
– **IFM Support**: 91.8% of specialists endorse Integrated Fire Management (IFM) in protected areas; 79.5% support it on private lands.
– **IFM Support**: 91.8% of specialists endorse Integrated Fire Management (IFM) in protected areas; 79.5% support it on private lands.
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**3/ Key Findings**
– **IFM Support**: 91.8% of specialists endorse Integrated Fire Management (IFM) in protected areas; 79.5% support it on private lands.
– **IFM Support**: 91.8% of specialists endorse Integrated Fire Management (IFM) in protected areas; 79.5% support it on private lands.
**2/ Key Findings**
– **Shared Priorities**: Both rural residents and specialists ranked **water protection** and **biodiversity conservation** as top fire management goals.
– **Shared Priorities**: Both rural residents and specialists ranked **water protection** and **biodiversity conservation** as top fire management goals.
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**2/ Key Findings**
– **Shared Priorities**: Both rural residents and specialists ranked **water protection** and **biodiversity conservation** as top fire management goals.
– **Shared Priorities**: Both rural residents and specialists ranked **water protection** and **biodiversity conservation** as top fire management goals.
**1/ Why focus on the Cerrado?**
– Home to **5% of Earth’s biodiversity**.
– Stores **13.7 billion tons of carbon**.
– A water tower for South America, feeding 8 major river basins.
Yet, unsustainable fires threaten these ecosystems. 🔥
– Home to **5% of Earth’s biodiversity**.
– Stores **13.7 billion tons of carbon**.
– A water tower for South America, feeding 8 major river basins.
Yet, unsustainable fires threaten these ecosystems. 🔥
May 15, 2025 at 11:54 AM
**1/ Why focus on the Cerrado?**
– Home to **5% of Earth’s biodiversity**.
– Stores **13.7 billion tons of carbon**.
– A water tower for South America, feeding 8 major river basins.
Yet, unsustainable fires threaten these ecosystems. 🔥
– Home to **5% of Earth’s biodiversity**.
– Stores **13.7 billion tons of carbon**.
– A water tower for South America, feeding 8 major river basins.
Yet, unsustainable fires threaten these ecosystems. 🔥