Habitat and predator influences on the spatial ecology of nine-banded armadillos
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Abstract
Mesopredator suppression has implications for community structure, biodiversity, and ecosystem function, but mesopredators with physical defenses may not avoid apex predators. We investigated nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) in southwestern Oklahoma (USA) to evaluate if a species with physical defenses was influenced by a dominant predator, the coyote (Canis latrans). We sampled nine-banded armadillos and coyotes with motion-activated cameras. We used single-species and conditional two-species occupancy models to assess the influences of environmental factors and coyotes on nine-banded armadillo occurrence and site-use intensity (i.e., detection). We used camera-based detections to characterize the diel activity of each species and their overlap. Nine-banded armadillo occupancy was greater at sites closer to cover, with lower slopes, and further from water, whereas coyote space use was greater at higher elevations; both species were positively associated with recent burns. Nine-banded armadillo occurrence was not influenced by coyotes, but site-use intensity was suppressed by the presence of coyotes. Nine-banded armadillos (strictly nocturnal) and coyotes (predominantly nocturnal) had a high overlap in summer diel activity. Nine-banded armadillos are ecosystem engineers but are often considered a threat to species of concern and/or a nuisance. Thus, understanding the role of interspecific interactions on nine-banded armadillos has important implications for conservation and management.
Suggested Citation
Lonsinger, R.C., Murley, B.P., McDonald, D.T., Fallon, C.E., White, K.M., 2025, Habitat and predator influences on the spatial ecology of nine-banded armadillos: Diversity, v. 17, no. 4, 290, 19 p., https://doi.org/10.3390/d17040290.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Habitat and predator influences on the spatial ecology of nine-banded armadillos |
| Series title | Diversity |
| DOI | 10.3390/d17040290 |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Publication Date | April 19, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | MDPI |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Atlanta |
| Description | 290, 19 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| Other Geospatial | Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge |