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SPECIES FACT SHEET Children’s Zoo Common name: Scientific name: Family: Order: Southern Three Banded Armadillo Tolypeutes matacus Dasypodidae Cingulata Closest Animal Relatives: Geographic Distribution: 20 species of armadillos Found from eastern Bolivia and south-western Brazil, south through the Gran Chaco of Paraguay, to Argentina. The species was once present in southern Buenos Aires Province but recent surveys suggest that it is now extinct in this area. The reason for its disappearing from Buenos Aires is unknown, but may be related to climate. It ranges from sea level up to 770 m asl (Argentina). Habitat: Status in the wild: Near Threatened and Decreasing as of 2009 Predators: Cats and mostly humans. Social Structure: Litter Size: Name of young: Gestation: 1 Pup Average Size: Diet: Wild: Captivity: Life Span: Wild: Ants, termites, other insects, small invertebrates and some fruit. High protein anteater mix with water like a milkshake 5-7 years Captivity: 15 years Adaptations: They get their name because of the stretchy like skin, called scutes on their backs. Sometimes they will have 2 to 4 bands. If threatened, they can curl up into a tight ball like a puzzle. Major Threats: Threatened by hunting for food; as it is not fossorial, it is easier to hunt than other armadillo species. It is also threatened by habitat destruction through conversion of suitable habitat to cultivated land; however, it is able to adapt to low levels of agricultural disturbance. This species is exported to zoos and for pet trade, and there is a high mortality of individuals during this export process. Updated 5/12/17 Conservation Actions: Special Notes: They have been recorded from a number of protected areas. There is a captive population in North America. The three banded armadillos is the only species of armadillo that can roll up into a ball for protection. Eyesight and hearing are poor but their sense of smell is excellent. They can detect insects up to 8” underground. The 9 Banded Armadillo is the only species found in the US. Updated 5/12/17