
Greater fairy armadillo
Calyptophractus retusus
Reproduction: Probably one offspring at a time.
Weight: 90-130 grams
Diet: Underground invertebrates and their larvae

Common Names
English – Greater Fairy Armadillo, Burmeister’s Armadillo, Chacoan Fairy Armadillo, Greater Pichi
Spanish – Pichiciego Mayor, Pichiciego Chaqueño, Pichiciego Grande, Culo tapado, Coseveru
Portuguese – Pichiciego Maior
German – Burmeister-Gürtelmull
French – Tatou de Burmeister
How to Identify:
Carapace Pink Attached to the skin of the sides and the head, as in most other armadillo species Ears 24 Moveable bands Visible Tail Rounded tip
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.

Greater fairy armadillo Facts
- Requires loose sandy soil to live in
- This small armadillo is highly fossorial and is therefore rarely seen aboveground
- One of the smallest and least studied armadillos
- Can scream when frightened
Habitat
- Savanna
- Shrubland
- Desert
Population Trend
• Unknown
Threats
- Habitat loss
- Hunting (superstition)
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.
Test your new knowledge!
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