A tough, shaggy little survivor of South America’s high-altitude regions—a remarkable creature adapted to life in the cold, rocky deserts and grasslands of the central Andes. Found mainly in Bolivia, northern Chile, and southern Peru, this armadillo endures conditions that few mammals can tolerate: freezing nights, thin air, and sparse vegetation. A member of the genus Chaetophractus, known as the hairy armadillos, it stands out for its bristled armor and ability to thrive in extreme mountain environments.
Physically, the Andean hairy armadillo is a medium-sized armadillo. Its carapace—a tough shell made of bony plates called scutes—is divided into movable bands, usually seven to nine, which give it flexibility and protection. The shell is light brown to yellowish-gray, blending well with the arid Andean soil. Unlike many of its relatives, this species has dense, coarse hairs poking out between the armor plates and covering its underside and flanks, providing insulation against the cold mountain winds. Its small, triangular head tapers to a long, narrow snout, perfect for probing soil and crevices for insects, while its short, strong limbs are armed with large claws designed for digging through hard, dry ground. The result is a compact, rugged body built for both defense and endurance.
Ecologically, the Andean hairy armadillo is a nocturnal and solitary forager, emerging in the cool evenings or at night to hunt for food. Its diet is omnivorous but dominated by insects, especially ants, beetles, larvae, and termites, though it also eats roots, fruits, seeds, and carrion when available. This flexible diet allows it to survive in harsh, resource-scarce regions where few other mammals can. With its keen sense of smell, it detects prey beneath the surface, then uses its powerful claws to dig rapidly into the soil. Its burrows, typically dug into hillsides or under rocks, serve as shelters from predators and temperature extremes, maintaining a more stable microclimate than the surface.
Distribution
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Paraguay
PeruAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
