Lifespan15-20 years in the wild and up to 37 years under human care
Quick facts
DietAnts, termites and worms
HabitatSavannahs, scrublands
RangeParts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay
The Southern Three-banded Armadillos
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Roly-poly defence
Contrary to popular belief, not all armadillos can roll into a ball for self-defence. The southern three-banded armadillo is one of only two species that can do so. When startled, it closes its shell completely around its body, leaving a small gap that it squeezes shut on the nose or paw of a would-be predator.
The hard shell covering the tail, top of head and outer surfaces of the limbs is made up of bony plates, called scutes. Unlike in other armadillo species, these plates are not attached to the skin on the sides, allowing the head, legs and tail to be tucked in like pieces of a jigsaw.
Together, we protect wildlife
All balled up
While curling into a ball protects these armadillos from natural predators, this defence mechanism is useless against hunters and poachers, who simply pick them up. Unlike other armadillo species, they do not burrow to hide from danger, making them easy prey.
Locals capture them for food, and fashion purses and musical instruments out of their shell. Some are kept as pets or exported to international markets. Few survive the journey to their buyers’ homes — most perish from the implorable travel conditions they are subject to.
Do your part to protect armadillos by saying no to the illegal trafficking of animals and wildlife products.
The IUCN Status
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity
