Local Ecological Knowledge on the Natural History and Human–Fauna Relationships of the Brazilian Three-banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus) in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) can be a valuable source of information about species’ biology and their conservation, especially for threatened and poorly known species, such as the Brazilian three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus). Here, we gathered information about the natural history and human–fauna relationships of T. tricinctus based on the LEK of residents from a rural community in northeast Brazil, where a population of T. tricinctus has been recently discovered. To understand LEK, we used participatory transect walks, semi-structured interviews, and a member-checking workshop. T. tricinctus was considered a locally abundant and widespread species, primarily nocturnal, highly popular, and not among the most hunted species. Our findings have important implications for the understanding of T. tricinctus biology and conservation. First, they show that, although T. tricinctus is highly threatened by hunting, there are still localities where it is not among the most hunted species, where it may still be common. Second, as T. tricinctus is a locally common and popular species, research and participatory science projects may be feasible in the area. Moreover, to increase sampling effectiveness, research projects can consider aspects of T. tricinctus biology identified in this study. In conclusion, our findings reinforce the importance of ethnobiology assessments to improve knowledge about species’ biology and inform local research and conservation efforts.