IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| MagalhÆes, R.A. | |
| Priority mammals for conservation and habitat use by the three-banded armadillo in an anthropised area in northeastern Brazil | |
| 2020 Full Book | |
Conservation planning relies typically on spatial data on the distribution of sufficiently known elements of biodiversity (i.e., biodiversity surrogates), but an effective conservation may only be achieved by considering social factors that can influence the success of conservation actions as well as by understanding the biology of the organisms to be protected. However, there is still a lack of information on the biology and conservation of threatened species, such as the Brazilian three-banded armadillo _Tolypeutes tricinctus_. Here, we aimed to: (i) identify priority species for conservation based on their official conservation status and the human-fauna relationships (i.e., ethnozoology) in the rural community of Sumidouro, northeastern Brazil; and (ii) investigate the habitat use by _T. tricinctus_ in the same area. We used camera traps, active searching and a set of participatory methods, including semi-structured interviews, to assess mammal diversity and ethnozoology (potential cultural keystone species - CKS, charismatic/popular and disliked/unpopular species, and most hunted species) for prioritization. We used camera traps, active searching and occupancy models to explore the influence of ecological and methodological factors, including human-related habitat features, on the occupancy and detection probabilities of _T. tricinctus_. We prioritized 11 species for conservation, of which we considered _Panthera onca_ and _Tolypeutes tricinctus_ top-priorities, due to their especially worrying conservation status. We also prioritized _Mazama_ sp., because it was considered the most hunted and popular species as well as a potential CKS in the past. Due to their great popularity and high level of threat, we considered _Tolypeutes tricinctus_ and _Mazama_ sp. the most recommended species to be used as flagships for conservation. Regarding habitat use by _T. tricinctus_, we found its occupancy probability high and constant throughout the study area. Meanwhile, its detection probability was influenced by the sampling method, being almost 10 times greater by active searching than camera trapping. Therefore, we found that _T. tricinctus_ may be widely distributed in anthropized areas. We also reinforced the need for combining different sampling methods and take detection bias into account to draw reliable inferences about ecological processes. Based on the widespread distribution and the great popularity of _T. tricinctus_ in our study area, together with its worrying conservation status, we believe this population of the species is a priority for conservation actions and research projects. We also highlight the need and feasibility of the conservation of _Mazama_ sp. in our study area, as well as the need for human-fauna coexistence projects to promote the conservation of _Panthera onca_, the most threatened and unpopular animal in Sumidouro. The west portion of our study area is a Priority Area for Biodiversity Conservation that holds a high mammal diversity and that now has part of its local opportunities for conservation known. Hence, we advocate the development of conservation actions there, including public policies (e.g., Protected Areas). Finally, we emphasize the importance of engaging local communities into conservation actions and research projects to achieve better outcomes for both. |
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