Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th October 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

The role of the giant armadillo
Agouti feeding in the burrow

RZSS study reveals secretive animals to be ecosystem engineers

A South American project into the giant armadillo has unearthed the mysterious creature’s role as ecosystems engineers, giving housing and shelter to other species.

The project, undertaken by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) regional coordinator for Latin America, Dr Arnaud Desbiez, is a partnership between RZSS, Brazilian company IPÊ – Institute for Ecological Research, and a private cattle ranch (Baía des Pedras).

According to RZSS, the giant armadillo is very secretive and the first ever photograph was only taken two years ago, followed by a successful shot of a giant armadillo young earlier this year.

Researchers in Brazil have now been able to publish a paper describing the role of giant armadillos as ecosystem engineers. According to their research, the armadillos regularly dig deep burrows, which provide new habitats and influence resources for many other animals.

The project used camera traps in the Brazilian Pantanel and has photographed over 24 different species including lizards, feral pigs and the crab eating fox using the burrows as either a thermal refuge, shelter against predators, feeding ground or a resting spot.

Dr Arnaud Desbiez, Project Coordinator, said: “It’s amazing to see that such a secretive species which occurs at such low densities can play such an important role within the ecological community.”

“The role of this poorly known species as ecosystem engineer may be of high value to the community of vertebrates in the Pantanel and other regions in its extensive range. Giant armadillos are found throughout most of South America and in a diversity of biomes.”

The giant armadillo is threatened with extinction and is currently classified as vulnerable. It is thought that their burrows will only further aid animals as the impact of climate change increases.

Although rarely seen, the giant armadillo plays a key role in the ecological community of South America and deserves to be better understood and protected.

Image courtesy of the Pantanel Giant Armadillo Project

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."