We are home to one male large hairy armadillo – Rex, who is 12 years old and an excellent ambassador for one of South America’s most unique mammals.
Large hairy armadillos are native to South America, particularly Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. They’re well adapted to dry, open habitats such as grasslands and scrublands, where they use their powerful claws to dig extensive burrow systems.
Unlike many other armadillo species, the large hairy armadillo is – as the name suggests – covered in long coarse hair, even on the edges of its protective shell. This helps with insulation and camouflage in cooler environments.
They are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, eating a varied diet that includes roots, fruit, and seeds, as well as insects, small vertebrates, and carrion. Their strong claws and excellent sense of smell make them expert foragers.
Primarily diurnal, they play an important role in their ecosystem by aerating the soil through digging and helping control insect populations.
Interesting facts!
- Large hairy armadillos have special membranes in their nose allowing them to breathe underground without inhaling soil
- Their wiry hairs help them sense their surroundings
- Armadillo armour is made from overlapping plates of bone covered in scales of keratin.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern, large hairy armadillo are under threat in the wild from habitat destruction, local hunting for their meat and shell, as well as threats from roads in their native ranges.
