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ARMADILLO

The Brazilian three-banded armadillo is the only armadillo species endemic to Brazil. The Armadillo is endangered status due to habitat destruction from advancing agriculture, deforestation and mining.

This armadillo has flexible armour and its natural defence is then to roll its body into a tight ball, which unfortunately makes it vulnerable to being easily picked up. Natural predators to the armadillo are pumas and jaguars.

The three banded armadillo only produces a single offspring a year so populations are very slow to recover. There is no one organisation directly involved in the protection of this species. Conservation money needs to be put aside for the species to survive.

The Brazilian three banded armadillo was the 2014 Fifa World Cup mascot. The Brazilian Government has met with scientists to discuss drawing up a much needed conservation plan involving protecting parts of the dry forest habitats that are home to the armadillo.

Akron Zoo: Ohio. USA. Southern three-banded armadillo is available for Zoomobile programs, On-site programs, and Meet & Greets/Animal Encounters. The animal is limited to 5 programs a week and must not exceed that limit in order to allow the animal time to rest. Monitor for signs of stress such as decreased diet consumption, shaking, shivering, and growling. During menstruation cycle, the animal will not curl up into a ball, but rather stay stretched out in a frozen position or raise back end with feet out.

/www.akronzoo.org

You can see a three-banded Armadillo at the following zoos.