A systematic review on animal behavioural adaptations in a fragmented landscape: The case of the Atlantic Forest

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most biodiverse and threatened biomes on Earth, with high levels of deforestation and fragmentation. This literature review aimed at gathering and summarizing evidence on how habitat loss impacts the behavioural responses of animals within this biome, focusing on adaptations related to space use, diet, intra- and inter-specific interactions. Using a systematic approach, 68 studies from the past two decades were analysed, highlighting significant patterns of behavioural plasticity among vertebrates and invertebrates. Results revealed that species with greater flexibility in space use and diet are more likely to persist in fragmented landscapes, whereas specialists face severe challenges. Birds adapt their movement strategies by exploiting fragmented matrices, although their success depends on matrix permeability and species-specific traits. Mammals show notable dietary expansions, incorporating anthropogenic resources in degraded areas, whereas forest specialists often face resource scarcity. Seed dispersal networks, vital for plant regeneration, are disrupted in smaller forest patches, as generalist dispersers replace specialists. These findings illustrate how behavioural adaptations enable some species to navigate habitat fragmentation while highlighting the vulnerability of less adaptable taxa. This review identified knowledge gaps, including the limited focus on acoustic communication and the roles of invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as the underexplored effects on species interactions and of restoration. It provided a comprehensive foundation on the behavioural effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on the Atlantic Forest’s animals. • Behavioural plasticity helps animals cope with the Atlantic Forest fragmentation • Adaptability in the use of space and diet is shown by many birds and mammals • Generalists persist, while specialists face challenges in altered landscapes • Species interaction variations and many taxa responses remain understudied