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Intensidad de uso de Hábitat del Quirquincho Andino ( Chaetophractus nationi ) en Zonas Aledañas a Asentamientos Humanos de la Provincia Sur Carangas, Oruro, Bolivia

2011; Volume: 12; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.5537/020.012.0105

1852-9208

José Carlos Pérez-Zubieta,

Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies

The Andean hairy armadillo is one of the least studied mammals, both locally and globally, although it faces many threats such as habitat disturbance and its use for traditional purposes in Bolivia. Within the range of the Andean hairy armadillo, farmers state that the species enters their fields in search for food, causing significant losses. The present study evaluated the habitat use intensity of Andean hairy armadillos in three habitat types near three human settlements in Sur Carangas province, Oruro, Bolivia. Fieldwork revealed that crop areas were used by armadillos while searching for food, while sand dunes were vital to their survival because they built their burrows and foraged in this habitat type. The least use intensity was observed in Pampas habitat. This study also showed the need to consider local conditions when carrying out research and conservation initiatives about Andean hairy armadillos. Further studies are needed to determine the real impact of armadillos on crops, to mitigate the damage that this species can cause, and, eventually, ensure its long-term conservation.