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Giant armadillos (*Priodontes maximus*) in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul lost 82% of their habitat after the fires that ravaged the region in 2020. This species was the most affected by the fire impacts among medium and large animals.
The data comes from a study published in *Global Change Biology* and serves as scientific evidence to measure the damages and to be used as a basis for decision-making on a global level.
Habitat loss causes an imbalance that can contribute to conflicts in the coexistence between communities and wildlife. The study was developed over three years by researchers from the Instituto Homem Pantaneiro, PANTHERA, WWF, University of Oxford, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Colorado State University. It was also supported by ISA CTEEP and ISA Conexiones, through the Jaguar Connection program, developed in the Serra do Amolar region.
The researchers warn: "Giant armadillo populations are especially susceptible to environmental disturbances due to their low population density and slow reproduction rate, as well as their inability to escape fires. During forest fires, giant armadillos seek refuge in burrows, but the severity of mega-fires likely caused high mortality due to increased soil temperatures and smoke inhalation. Additionally, giant armadillos may completely disappear from burned areas, especially if there is a loss of vegetation cover. These same factors may prevent the rapid recovery of the population in the area, and we suggest further research to assess the population status in the Pantanal, as this species is vulnerable to extinction, according to the IUCN and Brazilian legislation."
Using seven camera traps placed on trees at a height of 45 centimeters from the ground, the researchers were able to count and record the animals passing by. Due to prior knowledge of the area, they were able to observe changes in the fauna of this region of the Pantanal.
The researchers obtained 1,132 records of eight species outlined in the study, totaling 6,016 nights of observation.
"We chose points focusing mainly on the trails, as animals use trails a lot, both as an easy way to move around and as an escape route. Identifying behavioral patterns of these animals, their reproductive periods, and even through the images from the trap cameras, we can gather information about their physical health… if they’re missing fur, or injured, we can gain this insight. All cameras are set with time, date, and geolocation... ensuring they are within the monitored areas, which is very interesting," said veterinarian Franciele Cunha de Oliveira.
In addition to the giant armadillo (-82.37%), other animals were affected by the loss of habitat, with a percentage drop in the areas where they live:
Agout - 37.47%
Collared peccary - 23.35%
Gray brocket deer - 15.09%
Ocelo - 10.80%
Lowland tapir - 9.84%
Puma - 9.36%
Jaguar - 7.14%
It is estimated that the 2020 fires burned about 43% of the Pantanal, roughly 17,200 square kilometers. Around 17 million vertebrates died in just a few months.
In 2024, new fires affected the region, prompting the federal government, police, and the public ministry to increase monitoring and penalization of those responsible for starting the fires. Among those investigated are rural producers seeking more land for crops and pastures.
The study concluded that ineffective and permissive legislation, combined with extreme drought, were the causes of the fires.
In 2024, the government of Mato Grosso do Sul enacted the *Pantanal Statute*, with a set of regulations for the region.
For those responsible for the study, "As climate change and drought continue to intensify, interventions like this are urgently needed to reduce the extent and damage of forest fires to mammals and other species of fauna. This includes, but is not limited to, land-use planning, firebreaks, improved agricultural practices, bans on burning in the driest months of the year, effective early warning systems, prevention, and ensuring preparedness and resources for field fire brigades."