Giant Armadillo

Giant Armadillo

Tatou, Ocarro, Tatu-canastra, Tatu Carreta

Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Subfamily
SPECIES
Priodontes maximus
Population size
Unknown
Life Span
12-15 years
Top speed
48
30
km/hmph
km/h mph 
Weight
30
66
kglbs
kg lbs 
Length
75-100
29.5-39.4
cminch
cm inch 

The Giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) is the largest living species of armadillo that lives in South America. It prefers termites and some ants as prey and often consumes the entire population of a termite mound. This species is considered vulnerable to extinction.

Appearance

The Giant armadillo has 11 to 13 hinged bands protecting the body and a further 3 or 4 on the neck. Its body is dark brown in color, with a lighter, yellowish band running along the sides, and a pale, yellow-white head. These armadillos have around 80 to 100 teeth, which is more than any other terrestrial mammal. The teeth are all similar in appearance, being reduced premolars and molars, growing constantly throughout life, and lacking enamel. They also possess extremely long front claws, including a sickle-shaped third claw up to 22 cm (8.7 in) in length, which are proportionately the largest of any living mammal. The tail is covered in small rounded scales and does not have the heavy bony scutes that cover the upper body and top of the head. The Giant armadillo is almost entirely hairless, with just a few beige-colored hairs protruding between the scutes.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Giant armadillos are widely distributed over southeastern Venezuela, the Guianas, northeastern Brazil, Paraguay and northern parts of Argentina. They live in a variety of habitats, preferring, however, areas with a large population of termites. They can occasionally be seen in arid and semi-arid woodlands, savannas, tropical and subtropical rainforests as well as Brazilian floodplains.

Giant Armadillo habitat map

Climate zones

Giant Armadillo habitat map
Giant Armadillo
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Habits and Lifestyle

Giant armadillos are mainly nocturnal animals. They usually forage alone and socialize only for mating. When another Giant armadillo appears on its home range, this animal does not defend the territory, preferring to simply ignore the intruder. Giant armadillos are terrestrial mammals. They dig large burrows for resting, using their third claws, which act like spades. They can keep balance, standing on their hind legs and tail. Due to this ability, they are able to reach out to termite mounds (they frequently use this technique when warding off predators). After destroying the mound, the armadillo will arrange itself under the remains of the mound, staying there for up to 24 hours and then moving on.

Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Giant armadillos are carnivores (insectivores. myrmecophages).Their usual diet primarily consists of termites, though they can also consume ants, spiders, larvae, worms, and carrion.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
PREGNANCY DURATION
4 months
BABY CARRYING
1 pup
INDEPENDENT AGE
4-6 weeks
FEMALE NAME
sow
MALE NAME
boar
BABY NAME
pup, baby

Presently, quite a bit is known about the mating habits of this species. Giant armadillos are monogamous, mating once in a breeding season. It's not known if they breed seasonally or not. However, the gestation period lasts 4 months, yielding a single baby (rarely two), which is born with tough skin and can weigh up to 113 g. After 4-6 weeks, the baby is fully weaned, becoming independent. Reproductive maturity is reached at the age of 9-12 months.

Population

Population threats

Giant armadillo attracts hunters for its meat and primarily – for subsistence. The animal is threatened by loss of habitat due to deforestation. Being considered a pest, this animal is frequently killed by farmers throughout the area of its habitat. And finally, the species is threatened by illegal trade, being captured and sold to wealthy animal collectors.

Population number

The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Giant armadillo total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are decreasing.

Ecological niche

The Giant armadillo is the key species, controlling the population of termites throughout its range, thus helping the ecosystem keep balance. In addition, due to being strong diggers, these animals greatly contribute to soil aeration.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • The word "armadillo" has a Spanish origin and means "little armored one".
  • Armadillos are among the few species, eating fire ants and thus are extremely beneficial for humans.
  • Armadillos are not only strong diggers but also they are excellent swimmers, being able to hold their breath for up to 6 minutes.
  • In spite of having poor eyesight, armadillos possess a keen sense of smell, which helps them find prey.
  • Giant armadillo usually spends 16-18 hours a day sleeping in the burrow.
  • When digging under it is not an option, the armadillo climbs over it, scraping trees of fences.

Coloring Pages

References

1. Giant Armadillo Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_armadillo
2. Giant Armadillo on The IUCN Red List site - http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/18144/0

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