CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Successful conservation actions require strategies that combine research, policy formulation and enforcement, on-ground interventions, and education. The Armadillo Conservation Programme was initiated in 2012 as a pioneering multi-disciplinary programme for the conservation and management of five armadillo species in the Orinoco Llanos of Colombia. It is led by a multi-institutional alliance that ensures active participation of stakeholders during all stages of the programme. Six main issues affecting armadillo populations in the Llanos were identified. They were addressed in the first joint action plan of two environmental authorities of Colombia. Scientific research facilitated an increase in the knowledge on the armadillos of the Llanos and to re-categorize Dasypus sabanicola in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Threat evaluation and mitigation involved, among others, the assessment of illegal bushmeat trade and consumption in local restaurants and the establishment of a label for restaurants that do not sell wild meat. Multiple strategies were used to raise awareness about armadillos and position them as flagship species of the Llanos, including education programmes in schools, travelling exhibitions, talks at universities, and the publication of several books. The local communities were actively involved through a network of private reserves committed to the conservation of armadillos in which these animals are now effectively protected from poaching and monitored by farmers. Finally, breeding and rehabilitation facilities were established that could host confiscated armadillos and raise awareness among the local communities. This case study evidences that conservation programmes targeted at unconspicuous and poorly known species can be successful.