Bee careful! Conflict between beekeepers and giant armadillos (Priodontes maximus) and potential ways to coexist

Abstract

Damage caused by wildlife is one of the main causes of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) world-wide and poses a significant threat to both biodiversity conservation and human livelihoods. Understanding the mechanisms that underpin such damage is critical to tackle HWC and foster coexistence. In this paper we provide information on the pattern and magnitude of damage by giant armadillos ( Priodontes maximus ) to apiaries in the Cerrado biome of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. With the collaboration of 10 beekeeping associations we gathered information from 178 beekeepers. Seventy-three percent of these individuals reported beehive damage by giant armadillos in the last five years and 46% in the last 12 months, resulting in substantial economic losses. We used a combination of beekeepers' reports and camera traps to characterize the pattern of damage, and to evaluate the effectiveness, as well as pros and cons, of several non-lethal mitigation measures to deter giant armadillos from damaging beehives. In hopes of developing a win-win solution, we propose the implementation of a Honey Certification Scheme so that beekeepers and giant armadillos may not only coexist but thrive together.