Spanish – Tatú-bola

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.

• When threatened, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo has the habit of rolling into a ball. Although this is a behavior commonly attributed to armadillos, only the two species of Tolypeutes are capable of curling up into a perfect ball that cannot be opened by its predators.
• Was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery in 1988.
• Walks on the tips of its front claws
• Spends more time aboveground than other armadillo species

Threats

• Habitat loss
• Hunting (food)

– 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.

Tolypeutes tricinctus can be found in the below country.

Click to learn what other xenarthran species live there too!

Brazil

Check out this video to see how much you have learned!

The Anteater, Sloth, Armadillo Specialist Group has a store that directly helps xenarthran conservation!