Aspects of the burrowing ecology of nine-banded armadillos in northern Belize

We studied the density, physical attributes, and commensal fauna of nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) burrows in northern Belize. One hundred and five burrows were found in pine forest (n = 74) and savanna (n = 31). Mean burrow density was significantly greater in pine forest (27.0 burrows/ha) than in savanna (5.8 burrows/ha). There were no significant differences in mean burrow entrance dimensions (height and width) between pine forest and savanna. Burrow entrance dimensions in northern Belize were smaller than those in temperate North America. Air and burrow temperatures were positively correlated. Burrow temperatures were significantly less than air temperatures suggesting burrows are important refugia from high dry season temperatures. Burrow orientation did not differ significantly from uniformity in either habitat; however, a southern orientation was notably rare among savanna burrows. Seven species of commensal fauna were found in armadillo burrows.