Greater long-nosed armadillo Dasypus pastasae

Greater long-nosed armadillo 

Dasypus pastasae

Reproduction: Two offspring are born per litter. Believed to always be the same sex.
Weight: 8.5–10.5 kg
Diet: Generalist insectivore

Greater long-nosed armadillo Dasypus pastasae

Common Names

English – Greater long-nosed armadillo

Spanish – Espuelón; Cachicamo Arracacho; Carachupa; Armadillo Narizón

Portuguese – Tatu-Quinze-Quilos; Tatu-Tinga; Tatu-Açú

German – Kappler-Weichgürteltier

French – Tatou de Kappler

How to Identify:

CarapaceGrey or brown
Moveable bands7-8
Tail37–48 cm
Other characteristicsEnlarged projecting scales at the knee
A wide base of the tail
Lighter skin color on the part of the head below the head shield

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.

IUCN least concern

Greater long-nosed armadillo Facts

  • Large protruding scales on the knees
  • According to the Matses, an indigenous tribe that lives in northeastern Peru, greater long-nosed armadillos make a low rumbling growl when disturbed, and newborns whine inside the burrow.

habitat

Habitat

  • Tropical Rainforest

Population Trend

• Unknown

Threats

• No major threats
• Deforestation and hunting in some small areas of its range

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.

Dasypus pastasae can be found in the below countries.

Click to learn what other xenarthran species live there too!

Brazil
Peru
Ecuador
Colombia
Venezuela

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