Exploring patterns of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic β-diversity variation of neotropical small mammals in a highly fragmented landscape

Abstract Biodiversity encompasses multiple facets that respond differently to habitat degradation and fragmentation. Yet, few studies evaluate taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic dimensions simultaneously. We investigated how geographic distance and habitat features influence taxonomic (TβD), functional (FβD), and phylogenetic (PβD) β-diversity of small mammals in a fragmented Cerrado landscape, while also identifying sites of ecological local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD). We partitioned TβD by Hill numbers (rare, common, and abundant species), estimated FβD based on traits related to habitat tolerance and trophic guild, and calculated PβD from phylogenetic relatedness. We further assessed LCBD to detect sites with unique species and trait compositions. Associations with habitat and landscape variables were tested via Mantel tests and generalized linear models. Geographic distance showed a consistent positive effect on all β-diversity dimensions. Canopy cover was positively associated with abundance-based TβD, FβD, and PβD, while forest area influenced PβD and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index influenced FβD. LCBD analyses revealed that sites with rare species and greater structural complexity contributed disproportionately to assemblage uniqueness. Our findings demonstrate that β-diversity in small mammal assemblages is shaped by both spatial and environmental filters, even in highly modified landscapes.