Conservation in mixed-use landscapes requires understanding how different land-use types affect species distributions. In semi-arid regions like the Baviaanskloof, South Africa, biodiversity persists across a mosaic of protected areas and agricultural lands. Using camera trap data from 131 camera traps deployed over 21,020 trap nights and Bayesian multi-species occupancy models, we assessed the effects of land-use (e.g., settlement density, croplands, livestock, water) and vegetation (e.g., type, degradation) covariates on the mammal community. Agricultural areas supported greater species richness than the adjacent nature reserve, largely driven by generalist (e.g., Cape grey mongoose, common duiker), adaptable (e.g., leopard, bat-eared fox), and extralimital species (e.g., springbok). Human settlement density emerged as the strongest predictor of community occupancy, with both occupancy and species richness declining in more densely settled areas. While community-level patterns were evident, individual species exhibited diverse and sometimes contrasting responses. Livestock presence reduced species richness, displacing Cape mountain zebra and greater kudu. Despite typically reducing biodiversity, cultivated lands benefited certain species (e.g., bushpig). Responses to water were species-specific, with most favouring intermediate distances. Vegetation type strongly influenced biodiversity patterns, with savanna having the highest detection rates. Fynbos and savanna within agricultural areas exhibited greater species richness and occupancy than equivalent habitats in the nature reserve. Thicket, even when moderately degraded, maintained high species richness and, along with resting farmlands, served as vital refuges for wildlife. Our findings highlight the conservation value of private lands. Enhancing habitat connectivity, promoting restoration and sustainable land use, and engaging communities can help align biodiversity conservation with agricultural goals in mixed-use landscapes.