The giant armadillo is easily recognizable by its enlarged central claw and conical head with a blunt muzzle. Its body is covered by a carapace separated into dorsal and ventral halves by a strip.
They are widely distributed over tropical and subtropical habitats of northern South America, where the termite population is high. They are mainly nocturnal and solitary animals. They are insectivores specialized for feeding on termites. They can balance on their hind limbs and tail, allowing them to reach the top of termite mounds and destroy them. They are monogamous, with males and females having only one mate per breeding season. The female usually gives birth to a single baby armadillo, which already has its own tough skin.
Their main threats are habitat loss, hunting, poaching, and killing by farmers, as they are considered pests.
Distribution
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador
French Guiana
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Official estimate
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
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
Giant armadillo on banknotes
