Nina Attias is one of Conservation Nation’s 2022 Established Conservationist grantees. She is a Brazilian conservation biologist with over 15 years of experience in ecological studies. She is passionate about mammal conservation, especially those species considered ‘weird-looking’ or less charismatic and might receive less conservation attention, such as armadillos. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nina has a Ph.D. in Ecology and Conservation from the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul and a master’s degree in Ecology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. She is currently a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Florida and the scientific coordinator of the Giant Armadillo Conservation Program. Her research integrates behavioral ecology, spatial ecology, and conservation biology to inform conservation decision-making and outreach programs in the wetlands and savannas of Brazil. Nina is particularly interested in the effects of habitat modification and temperature changes in animal behavior and how that can affect conservation planning in a changing world.
Preventing the Extinction of Giant Armadillos
Cerrado Savanna, Brazil
The Cerrado savanna is a biodiversity hotspot but has one of the lowest levels of protection, with most lands being privately owned and used for ranching and agricultural activities. This leads to wildlife having close contact with humans, increasing human-wildlife conflict. Giant armadillos are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation and are classified as Vulnerable by IUCN. Nina will be using her Conservation Nation grant to work with the local communities and government to promote biodiversity-friendly habitat management to ensure the long-term survival of the giant armadillo.
