Abstract

WEILER, Andrea  and  NUNEZ, Karina. DESAFÍOS PARA LA CONSERVACIÓN DEL TATÚ CARRETA (PRIODONTES MAXIMUS) EN EL CHACO PARAGUAYO: CHALLENGES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF GIANT ARMADILLO (PRIODONTES MAXIMUS) IN THE PARAGUAYAN CHACO. Rep. cient. FACEN [online]. 2012, vol.3, n.1, pp.5-13. ISSN 2222-145X.

We collected data about the distribution of Priodontes maximus in Paraguay with new locality records in the western region of the country. In eastern region, the last scientific record is from 1979, so its presence in that area needs to be confirmed. We analyzed factors affecting the conservation of the species, standing out habitat loss and fragmentation, with over 700,000 hectares modified in the Chaco between the years 2010-2012. We discussed the effect of illegal poaching and provided the first recorded for the country of damage caused by giant armadillo to rural infrastructure for water storage. This situation may raise a change in the values assigned to the species. The tolerance of P. maximus on private lands and the development of strategies articulated between environmental institutions, local people and farmers becomes a big challenge for the conservation of the species.

Keywords : Priodontes maximus; giant armadillo; Paraguay; distribution; threats; conflicts.