Burrows Spatial Patterns and Factors Predicting Habitat Selection of Aardvark (Orycteropus afer) (…)

ABSTRACT

Understanding the ecological requirements of species in arid and semi-arid ecosystems is critical for effective biodiversity conservation. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution of aardvark (Orycteropus afer) burrows and the environmental factors influencing their habitat selection in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve, Benin. Using a grid-based field survey and spatial point-pattern analysis, we explored the occurrence of aardvark burrows across heterogeneous savannah landscapes. We then employed resource selection functions (RSFs) implemented as logistic regression models to assess the role of vegetation structure, fire intensity, water availability and anthropogenic factors in shaping aardvark habitat preferences. Our findings reveal a non-random spatial distribution of burrows and highlight the importance of specific habitat features, such as tree density, tree dbh, fire intensity and distance from water sources. These patterns suggest behavioural adaptations to vegetation structure and predator avoidance. The spatial clustering detected is consistent with previous estimates of aardvark home ranges, while providing novel insights into aardvark ecology in West Africa, a region where data on the species remain scarce. The results underscore the importance of incorporating fine-scale habitat features into conservation planning for semi-arid savannahs.