Portuguese – Pichi Cego

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.

• The smallest of all armadillos
• Measures 11 to 15 cm from the head to the base of the tail
• The pink fairy armadillo uses its vertical rump plate to backfill the tunnels it digs.
• Although its rarity and strange appearance inspires people to think that the pink fairy armadillo comes out of a fairy tale, the term “fairy” actually refers to its light-colored hair.
• The pink color of its carapace varies in intensity depending on environmental temperature. In cool environments, the blood vessels in the carapace contract so that the blood is concentrated in the core; as a consequence, it looks pale. When it is hot outside, blood flow in the carapace vessels increases so that it can dissipate more heat, thus preventing a heat stroke; consequently, its color is more intense.
• It uses the diamond-shaped tip of the tail for support when standing on its hindfeet.
• Their sense of smell is at least 100 times stronger than that of humans. Two-thirds of their relatively large brain correspond to the olfactory brain!
• Can scream when frightened

Threats

• agriculture (plowing of fields) and cattle ranching (compaction of soil) are probably the main threats this species is facing
• cats and dogs
• pet trade

– 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.

Chlamyphorus truncatus can be found in the below country.

Click to learn what other xenarthran species live there too!

Argentina

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