Tropical Forests; Forest fires; Experimental Burns; Biodiversity loss; Tree mortality.

Understanding the dynamics of woody species communities in the transition between the Amazon and the Cerrado is crucial for tropical forests, especially given the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the region. Extreme events such as droughts and fires can lead to significant changes in the diversity, composition, and structure of these forests, highlighting tree mortality as a critical factor in woody communities' dynamics. In this context, we aim to assess the impacts of fire and the recovery of tropical forests subjected to experimental burns in the Amazon-Cerrado transition. The study was conducted at Fazenda Tanguro in Querência–MT, Brazil, in the Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. A controlled burn experiment covered an area of 150 hectares, divided into 60 plots of 20 × 20 m. Of these, 19 were control plots, while 41 underwent experimental burns between 2013 and 2016. Climatic data were collected by a weather station located 21 km from the experimental area. Floristic inventories conducted in 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2023 included data from 4,590 individuals. Species contribution to the community will be assessed using the Importance Value Index (VI), considering metrics such as relative dominance, density, and frequency. Height and diameter were measured in each plot, checking vitality and calculating mortality rates, above-ground biomass, and annual recruitment after fires. Statistical analyses will involve the calculation of the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index. Additionally, an ANOVA will be carried for assess community heterogeneity, followed by Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and ANOSIM. The anticipated results aim to establish a solid foundation for understanding the impacts of wildfires, contributing to informed decisions on biodiversity management and preservation, as well as the maintenance of ecosystem services in these crucial transition areas between tropical ecosystems.