A remarkable and elusive creature that holds the title of being the smallest of all armadillos.

One of the most striking features of the pink fairy armadillo is its light pink armored shell, which is composed of 24 bands that encase its body like a suit of armor. This shell provides vital protection against predators and environmental hazards, allowing the armadillo to roll up into a tight ball to shield its soft underbelly, which is covered with white fur.

In addition to its protective armor, the pink fairy armadillo is equipped with specialized digging claws on its front legs. These claws are highly efficient tools for excavating burrows in the sandy soils of its desert habitat. Remarkably, when threatened, the pink fairy armadillo can dig with astonishing speed, quickly disappearing into the safety of its underground retreat. The armored plates on its back can act as a cork to seal the entrance of the burrow, providing additional protection against predators.

Despite its remarkable adaptations for burrowing, the pink fairy armadillo faces unique challenges associated with its habitat and lifestyle. In particular, heavy rainfall poses a significant threat to these diminutive creatures. While their burrows provide essential shelter from predators and extreme temperatures, they can also become flooded during periods of heavy rain. As a result, pink fairy armadillos must venture out of their burrows to avoid drowning or getting their fur wet, which can compromise their ability to thermoregulate properly.

In addition to environmental challenges, pink fairy armadillos face threats from human activities, including habitat destruction and fragmentation. As their natural habitat is converted for agriculture and urban development, populations of pink fairy armadillos are increasingly isolated and vulnerable to extinction.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Argentina

100

DD

2013

Lack of scientific information