Estimating potential geographic ranges of armadillos (Xenarthra, Dasypodidae) in Brazil under niche-based models / Estimation de la distribution géographique potentielle des tatous (Xenarthra, Dasypodidae) au Brésil à partir de modèles basés sur les niches écologiques

Abstract

Dasypodidae is the largest family of the order Xenarthra, with eight genera and 21 species. The geographic ranges of 10 species of armadillos in Brazil were analyzed together with environmental variables, such as topography and climate, using the GARP program. Maps were generated using the 20 best models per species and predicted the occurrence of eight of the 10 species in the Cerrado biome, indicating that the central region of Brazil is an important area for the preservation of armadillo species. Thus, using niche modeling it is possible to better map the geographic ranges of species, to use these maps to optimally establish priority areas for species conservation and to understand overall biodiversity patterns.