Uso antropogénico, hábitat, abundancia y hábitos alimentarios del armadillo de nueve bandas (Dasypus novemcinctus) en el centro y sur del estado de Veracruz, México

Abstract

In rural areas in Mexico, the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is used as food source. The aim of this study was to determine how this species is used by people living in cattle farms in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, as well as its habitat, abundance in the area, and feeding habits. In the years 2011 and 2016, workers from 33 cattle farms from 10 municipalities in central and southern Veracruz were interviewed. In 2011, they reported the presence of the armadillo in 85% of farms and all the municipalities, with weekly to annual sighting frequency. The armadillo was used as food or economic income in all farms. In four munic- ipalities hunting is not practiced during the breeding season, and only adult individuals are caught during the hunting season. The farm workers considered that the number of armadillos in the area has decreased. In 2016, they reported the presence of armadillos on all farms, with weekly and annual sighting frequency. All workers interviewed had consumed armadillo meat, and all armadillos had been hunted during the non -breeding season. The herbaceous stratum predominated in all farms. An abundance of 19 and 24 armadil- los/km2 was estimated in the central and southern regions, respectively. The diet of the armadillos consisted mainly of beetles, ants, and butterflies. The nine-banded armadillo is a source of food and medicine in rural areas of Veracruz, but its populations may have declined because it is the most hunted and consumed prey in the area.