Coming out from their burrows: first photographic records of Priodontes maximus (Kerr, 1792) (Cingulata: Chlamyphoridae) in a forest remnant on the outskirts of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) has a wide, and sometimes unknown, distribution across the South American continent. Giant armadillos are found in several types of well-preserved habitat. In the Amazon, the presence of P. maximus was fully confirmed through direct evidence only in a handful of occasions and it remains a poorly known species with considerable gaps and uncertainty concerning its distribution. This sensitive species is highly vulnerable to hunting. Data on P. maximus are usually obtained through indirect observations. Using camera-traps, we bring to sight the first direct observations of this species near Manaus (Brazil). Its presence points out the ecological relevance of the forests in this location and fills a gap where its distribution was still uncertain. More information on the movement patterns, habitat use and population density of this species is therefore needed to carry out appropriate conservation measures in these areas.