Approaching fossorial mammals: The pichi as a regional model for Xenarthra conservation.

SUPERINA, M.

Mendoza

Congreso; 10th International Mammalogical Congress; 2009

<!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-indent:36.0pt; line-height:150%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:ES-AR; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:70.85pt 3.0cm 70.85pt 3.0cm; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> Symposium: Developing an integrative conservation strategy for Xenarthra: Advances in research. Conveners: Mariella Superina and Flávia Miranda. Armadillos (Dasypodidae) are a notoriously understudied taxon. The lack of solid data on their ecology and exact area of distribution makes the evaluation of their conservation status and the development of effective conservation strategies a challenging task. In Mendoza Province, central west Argentina, pichis (Zaedyus pichiy) are intensely sought after by illegal hunters who use them as a protein source. This depletion of wild populations led to the inclusion of Z. pichiy in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, where it is listed as Near Threatened, and called for the development of a conservation plan. Innovative ways to study the natural history and population health of pichis and unusual conservation strategies were sought to protect this elusive species. The establishment of a captive pichi colony facilitated studying the thermoregulation and reproduction of pichis by means of implanted dataloggers and non-invasive monitoring of their reproductive function, respectively. Close collaboration with the local authorities was key to carry out research on free-ranging pichis, sensitize rangers and inspectors on conservation issues, and increase protection for the wild populations. Samples collected from dead individuals confiscated from poachers allowed studying the diet and population health of wild pichis without having to sacrifice any animals. The reproductive status of poached females was determined as part of the study. Based on this process, fines to poachers killing pregnant or lactating females were raised to a higher level. The identification of potentially zoonotic pathogens in free-ranging pichis is used as an argument to discourage poaching. Education programs are being developed to further reduce poaching. These actions represent a first approximation to understand the ecology of Z. pichiy, but it is clear that more research and conservation actions are needed to ensure the long-term survival of these fascinating mammals.