Nine-banded armadillos temporally avoid sites visited by domestic dogs and native carnivores

Context Human-induced habitat loss and fragmentation facilitate the presence of domestic dogs (Canis l. familiaris) in natural habitats, posing risks to native wildlife through predation and competition. The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) faces increased vulnerability to dog attacks due to frequent pursuits.Aims We evaluate the effect of predator presence (exotic and native) on the activity pattern and temporal avoidance behaviour of nine-banded armadillos in the Northeast region of S & atilde;o Paulo state, Brazil.Methods We analysed camera trap data (2020-2022) for co-occurrence activity between nine-banded armadillos and domestic dogs, and native predators. We also investigated temporal variations between armadillo detections in response to the presence of predators.Key results Nine-banded armadillos and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) exhibited nocturnal activity, whereas domestic dogs and jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) were diurnal. The activity pattern of nine-banded armadillos remained consistent in the presence of domestic dogs and native predators, although the time between detections increased at sites frequented by dogs and ocelots.Conclusions Our findings suggest that armadillos may avoid areas frequented by domestic dogs and ocelots over time, even without direct interactions.Implications Our research may assist conservationists and policymakers in developing domestic dog control to mitigate the impact of domestic dogs on nine-banded armadillos. Controlling domestic dog populations and raising awareness among owners to confine their pets are crucial measures. We investigated the effects of domestic dogs (Canis l. familiaris) and native predators on the activity period and avoidance behaviour of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) in human-altered landscapes in S & atilde;o Paulo State, Brazil. Domestic dog presence increased the time between detections of armadillos, suggesting that they temporally avoid areas used by dogs. Our results highlight the need for measures to control domestic dog populations to mitigate their impact on wildlife. Photograph by Laborat & oacute;rio de Ecologia de Mam & iacute;feros.