Unveiling the activity patterns and burrowing ecology of armadillos in the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil

Abstract

Armadillos (Xenarthra: Cingulata) are the most diverse group within the Xenarthran superorder,with 22 extant species. Armadillos are known for their digging ability and armored carapace. Theiractivity patterns can be influenced by factors such as predators, land use, and rainfall. This studyaimed to investigate the activity patterns and burrow site selection of three armadillo species inthe Atlantic Rainforest of the Serra Bonita Complex, Brazil. Using 19 camera traps, we recordedthree species on the study site: Cabassous tatouay (n = 14), Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 109), andEuphractus sexcinctus (n = 6). Both C. tatouay and D. novemcinctus exhibited nocturnal activitypatterns, with slight variations in peak activity times. Burrow analysis revealed a positive correlationbetween altitude and burrow site selection, indicating a preference for higher altitudes.Logistic regression analysis further highlighted that armadillos tended to avoid locations withhigher bearing and steeper slopes. Our findings highlight the behavioral ecology and habitat useof armadillos in the Atlantic Rainforest. Future research should explore the activity patterns andbehavior of other armadillo species to bridge knowledge gaps in this group.