Species interaction networks
Sites categorized as ‘intact’ had four sandfly species (three of which
were known vectors) and five host species, and sites categorized as
‘deforested’ had three sandfly species (two of which were known vectors)
and four host species. Bipartite interaction networks showed evidence of
restructuring of interactions across sites categorized by their amount
of forest cover (Fig. 5). Namely, the large armadillo (Dasypus
kappleri ), which is a known interior forest species, was less prevalent
in sandfly bloodmeals in deforested sites compared to intact sites.
Sandflies in those highly deforested sites fed primarily upon the lesser
anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla ). The nine-banded armadillo
(Dasypus novemcinctus ) was an important host for sandflies in
both intact and deforested sites even though its presence was
significantly associated with higher levels of deforestation (Figure 4).