Low-basal area treatment and prescribed fire to restore oak-pine savannas alter small mammal communities

•Oak-pine savannas became dense forests due to fire suppression in south-central United States.•Thinning and frequent prescribed fires is used to restore savannas.•Restoration increased graminoid, forb, bare ground, and woody debris.•Restoration reduced the forest floor depth and increased visual obstacles.•Restoration likely contributed to changes in small mammal communities.