Large hairy armadillo

Chaetophractus villosus

Reproduction: Usually two, but sometimes one or three offspring per litter. Breeds between the end of winter and beginning of spring.
Weight: 2–5 kg
Diet: Mainly beetle adults and larvae, and sometimes plant material (especially fruits), small vertebrates, bird eggs, and carrion.

Common Names

English – Large Hairy Armadillo, Big Hairy Armadillo

Spanish – Peludo, Quirquincho Grande, Tatú Pecho Amarillo

German – Braunborsten-Gürteltier, Braunes Borstengürteltier, Braunhaargürteltier

French – Grand Tatou Velu

Portuguese – Tatu-Peludo

How to Identify:

Carapace	Flattened
	Dark
	Long, thin dark hair
Moveable bands	6-7
Ears	3 cm, proportionally short
Tail	12–15 cm

IUCN Red List

Species are classified into one of nine Red List Categories: Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Least Concern, Data Deficient and Not Evaluated. Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered species are considered to be threatened with extinction.

Large hairy armadillo Facts

Its carapace is used, among others, to make charangos, a musical instrument
One of the few armadillo species that benefits from human activities; it can be quite abundant in agricultural fields
This species commonly uses man-made landfills and composting sites.
It has been introduced in Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of South America, where it is considered an invasive species.
Although usually solitary, up to 10-20 individuals can coexist under certain circumstances, e.g. when food is abundant or during flooding season.

Habitat

Agricultural areas
Desert
Grassland
Pastures
Savanna
Shrubland

Population Trend

• Stable

Threats

• Dogs
• Hunted
• Road accidents

Here are some ways YOU can help keep armadillos healthy and safe:

– It is best to observe them from a distance and in silence.
– Our pets could attack them. It is important to keep your dog on a leash when you go for a walk, or keep your pets at home in an enclosed and safe area. In addition, taking care of our pets also means spaying and neutering them so that they do not breed without control.
– Another way to help protect the areas where armadillos live is by not starting fires.
– Armadillos love to live in nature, keeping them as pets is not good for them. Keep in mind that they don’t like selfies either.
– If you find an injured armadillo, contact a wildlife hospital so they can help it.
– Deforestation is often caused to make more land for livestock. Eating less meat may help save our forests.