Amplicon-based next-generation sequencing of armadillo feces: a proof of concept for noninvasive studies of Xenarthrans

We applied DNA metabarcoding to investigate the fecal composition of two armadillo species ( Chaetophractus villosus and Dasypus septemcinctus hybridus ). Two samples were analyzed. Total DNA was extracted using a stool DNA kit (PB-L, Argentina). Libraries were constructed with universal 16S and 18S rRNA primers and sequenced on a MiSeq system. A total of 205 taxa from 25 phyla were identified: environmental ( n = 83), gut microbiota ( n = 77), diet ( n = 34), and parasites ( n = 11). Nine zoonotic or potential zoonotic taxa were found, including Blastocystis ST35 in C. villosus . This study supports DNA metabarcoding as a noninvasive tool for investigating lesser-known wild species.