La Plata three-banded armadillo, La plata three-banded armadillo, Azara's domed armadillo
The southern three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus ), also known as La Plata three-banded armadillo or Azara's domed armadillo, is an armadillo species from South America. It is found in parts of southwestern Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia, at elevations from sea level to 770 m (2,530 ft).
The southern three-banded armadillo and the other member of the genus Tolypeutes, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo, are the only species of armadillos capable of rolling into a complete ball to defend themselves (volvation). The three characteristic bands that cover the back of the animal allow it enough flexibility to fit its tail and head together, allowing it to protect its underbelly, limbs, eyes, nose and ears from predators. The shell covering its body is armored and the outer layer is made out of keratin, the same protein that builds human fingernails. They are typically a yellow or brownish color. They are among the smaller armadillos, with a head-and-body length of about 22 to 27 cm (8.7 to 10.6 in) and a weight between 1 and 1.6 kg (2.2 and 3.5 lb). Unlike most armadillos, they are not fossorial, but will use abandoned giant anteater burrows.
The three-banded armadillo has a long, sticky, straw-like pink tongue that allows it to gather up and eat many different species of insects, typically ants and termites. In captivity, armadillos also eat foods such as fruits and vegetables.
The species is threatened by habitat destruction from conversion of its native Dry Chaco to farmland, and from hunting for food and the pet trade.
Southern three-banded armadillos are the only species of armadillos that can roll into a complete ball to defend themselves. They have three bands that cover the back of the animal, its tail and head together. This allows it to protect its underbelly, limbs, eyes, nose and ears from predators. The shell covering its body is armored and the outer layer is made out of keratin. Southern three-banded armadillos have three middle toes on the back feet. They are grown together and have a thick claw. The forefeet toes are seperated and have 4 claws. These armadillos are typically a yellow or brownish color.
Southern three-banded armadillos occur in South America. They are found in parts of northern Argentina, southwestern Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. These animals inhabit grasslands or marshes near dry forests or savannah areas.
Southern three-banded armadillos are generally solitary creatures. Although they do occasionally group together during cold weather. Unlike most armadillos, they are not fossorial, they do not dig their own burrows. These animals like to use abandoned anteater burrows, or they make their dens under dense vegetation. When foraging these Southern armadillos use their strong legs and large claws. They dig through insect colonies or under bark to get to their food. They have a long, sticky, straw-like pink tongue that helps them then to gather up and eat those insects. When threatened Southern three-banded armadillos roll into a ball. This way they protect themselves.
These armadillos are carnivores (insectivores). They feed on different species of insects, typically ants and termites.
Little is known about the mating system and reproductive behavior of Southern three-banded armadillos. It is known that most of the young are born from November-January but births occur throughout the year. Females give birth to a single pup. Young are born blind but quickly develop and learn to close their shells and walk. They become completley independent after 72 days. Southern three-banded armadillos become reproductively mature at 9-12 months of age.
Main threats to Southern three-banded armadillos are habitat destruction from the conversion of its native Dry Chaco (natural region divided among eastern Bolivia, western Paraguay, northern Argentina and a portion of the Brazilian states) to farmland, hunting for food and the pet trade.
The IUCN Red List and other sources do not provide the Southern three-banded armadillo total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatend (NT) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.