Burrowing activity by large hairy armadillos (Chaetophractus villosus) increases in plots under no-till farming

Abstract

Chaetophractus villosus is the most widespread armadillo inhabiting central Argentina. It has been proposed that the recent increased signs of activity of this semi-fossorial and generalist species may be related to the massive adoption of no-till farming. In agroecosystems of Argentina, converting plots from tilled to no-till implies less mechanical disturbance of soil and more crop residue in the stubbles, along with high dependence on synthetic agrochemicals. We compared the use by C. villosus of 21 plots under no-till and 21 plots under tillage (corresponding to organic farms, which are currently almost the only places where plowing is still used in the study area). We recorded 642 fresh C. villosus activity signs (including foraging pits and burrows). Generalized Linear Mixed Models revealed a greater number of signs (particularly burrows) in no-till plots than in those under tillage. The increased signs of activity of C. villosus in the study area should be considered as an associated consequence of adoption of no-till, by creating habitats that provide more stable shelters and (possibly) food resources. This can lead to increased conflict with humans because of the damaging activities of C. villosus (mainly by tearing silo bags). Ways of managing/mitigating conflicts with C. villosus should be based on preventive practices implementing cultural management rather than lethal control.