Beyond deforestation: the impact of agricultural intensification on a flagship mammal species

Abstract

Research on the impact of landscape change primarily focuses on the loss of natural areas, particularly native forests, while the destruction of non-forest biomes, also rich in biodiversity, is often neglected. Moreover, little attention has been given to the effects of agricultural intensification on wildlife. We investigated the impact of converting pastures to soybean plantations on the movement patterns of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Pilosa: Mammalia), a species of conservation concern. To this end, we employed long-term telemetry tracking data within a before-after control-impact design. We tracked the same individuals before and after the conversion from pasture to soybean, while also monitoring anteaters in an adjacent, unchanged pasture as the control. In addition, we analyzed whether isolated trees within pastures serve as shelters for the species. We found that transitioning from low-to high-intensity agriculture led anteaters to move home ranges away from soy plantations and increase displacement. These results might be partially explained by the removal of isolated trees. Indeed, we found that giant anteaters often return to isolated trees in pastures, suggesting that these trees are essential resources, potentially offering shelter and protection. Our study suggests that converting pastures to soybean plantations, often considered an alternative to deforestation, has hidden ecological impacts on wildlife, potentially affecting their fitness and population dynamics. We underscore the importance of addressing not only deforestation but also the implications of agricultural intensification for wildlife in regions like the Brazilian Savanna, a biodiversity hotspot that currently lacks adequate legal protection.