Giant Armadillo
Tatou, Ocarro, Tatu-canastra, Tatu Carreta
The Giant armadillo is one of the largest species of armadillos. This animal is easily recognizable due to its powerful, enlarged central claw and the carapace, covered with tough bony scales. Pentagonal scales cover the legs and tail of the animal. The carapace of the Giant armadillo is black or gray on the dorsal part and lighter - on the ventral part of its body, these two parts being separated by a strip. The body underneath the carapace is naked, wrinkly and pinkish in color. The Giant armadillo has conical head and blunt muzzle.
Photos with Giant Armadillo
Distribution
The species is widely distributed over southeastern Venezuela, the Guianas, northeastern Brazil, Paraguay and northern parts of Argentina. Giant armadillos 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.
Geography
Climate zones
Habits and Lifestyle
Giant armadillos are mainly nocturnal animals. The armadillo usually forages alone and socializes 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 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.
Diet and Nutrition
Giant armadillos are carnivores (insectivores).Their usual diet primarily consists of termites, though they can also consume ants, spiders, larvae and worms.
Mating Habits
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 on not. However: gestation period lasts 4 months, yielding a single baby (rarely – two), which is born with its tough skin and can weigh up to 113 g. After 4-6 weeks, the baby is fully weaned, becoming independent. Sexual 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 as 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
Giant armadillos are very rare and patchy distributed.The total number of their population is not known but presently decreasing. On the IUCN Red List, the species is listed as Vulnerable (VU).
Ecological niche
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 Spanish origin and means "little armored one".
- These animals are among the few species, eating fire ants and thus are extremely beneficial for humans.
- These animals are not only strong diggers, but also they are excellent swimmers, being able to hold breath for up to 6 minutes.
- In spite of having poor eyesight, they possess a keen sense of smell, which helps them find prey.
- Giant armadillo usually spends 16-18 hours a day sleeping in the burrow.
- This animal can have as many as 100 teeth.
- When digging under it is not an option, the animal climbs over it, scraping trees of fences.