Distribution and status of Paraguayan Xenarthra: towards a better understanding

Despite great xenarthran biodiversity, the Paraguayan armadillos and anteaters have received little attention from biologists and few data have been published about the distribution and status of the species. Furthermore, errors and contradictions persist in the literature. This paper collates specimen and literature data about this group to act as a basis for the stimulation of future research. Xenarthran specimens in all the major Paraguayan collections and all significant specimens in international collections were examined. Specimen data were collated and supplemented with literature and photographic data. Distribution data are provided according to a hierarchy of record reliability including examined specimens, non-examined specimens, literature records, photographic records, and significant observations. Thirteen species (11 armadillos and two anteaters) are confirmed to be present in Paraguay. Relevant discussion and distribution maps are provided for each species. Specimens of both Dasypus septemcinctus septemcinc­ tus and D. s. hybridus were examined and their distribution is clarified. There is no evidence that Bradypus variegatus occurs in Paraguay. Most xenarthran specimens were collected at least 35 years ago, and the specimen record may no longer represent current distribution given the rapidly changing landscape in the country. It is concluded that available data on Paraguayan Xenarthra shows a heavy bias taxonomically towards a few species (Dasypus novemcinctus, Tolypeutes matacus, and Euphractus sexcinctus) and geographically towards the Chaco region. Distribution in the Oriental region is poorly understood, and species that are confined to that region are known from few specimens. The southern portion of the Oriental region has been virtually unsampled.