This species is threatened by intense (subsistence) hunting in Venezuela. It is the armadillo species that is most sought after by hunters in the llanos of Colombia. In addition, the species is affected by land conversion for agro-industry farming (mainly rice, soy and corn), timber plantations, and palm oil plantations. Estimates from the Orinoquia region of Colombia suggest that approximately 10% of the natural habitat of this species is subjected to land use change every year. The area used for oil palm, rice, timber, soy, and corn plantations in the Orinoquia region is projected to increase more than ten-fold over the next decade, especially due to a significant increase in biofuel and timber production, which calls for an urgent assessment of the potential effects on the D. sabanicola population. Although the tolerance of this small armadillo to modified habitats has not been studied to date, reports from locals suggest that it does survive in areas with extensive cattle ranching, but that subpopulations have declined or even disappeared from cultivated areas. It is probable that the species cannot survive in cultivated areas in which agrochemicals are used for insect control, as they severely reduce the availability of the main food source of D. sabanicola.

Dasypus sabanicola inhabits the llanos of Colombia and Venezuela; it can be found in open grasslands or shrubland habitats in lowland and mid-altitude areas. This species may have diurnal or nocturnal habits. Animals have a home range of between 1.7 and 11.6 hectares, and the average density in Venezuela has been estimated at 2.8 animals per hectare. The generation length of a closely related armadillo species, Dasypus hybridus, has been estimated to be 4 years. The generation length for D. sabanicola is suspected to be similar. 

Dasypus sabanicola is restricted to the floodplains (llanos) of Colombia and Venezuela, an ecosystem that is severely affected by habitat conversion. This impact is expected to increase significantly over the next decade. The use of agrochemicals is severely reducing the availability of insects—the main food source of D. sabanicola—thus further affecting the population. Furthermore, there is evidence of severe hunting in several parts of its range. The factors affecting the northern long-nosed armadillo warrant a precautionary assessment of Near Threatened, as it almost qualifies for listing under criteria A2cd and A3cd due to declines in habitat quality and quantity, as well as due to estimated levels of exploitation, over three generations (suspected to be around 12 years). However, a reassessment is recommended as soon as additional information becomes available.