Southern Three-Banded Armadillo - Five Sisters Zoo

The Southern 3 Banded Armadillo, also called the La Plata 3 Banded Armadillo, is native to South America’s grasslands or pampas. While other armadillos are able to defend themselves by rolling up, the 3 Banded is unique in that it can form a complete ball with no part of its body still exposed. The armor is made of scutes, which are hard bony plates and skin, with 3 areas of skin that can flex to create the ball. The scutes are hard enough to prevent most predators from breaking the shell, keeping the armadillo safe.

Facts

Diet: Insectivore; beetles and larvae, ants, termites, other invertebrates

Weight: 1.5kg

Length: 36cm

Habitat: Portions of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil;

Life span: 15-20 years

Adapted to Survive

  • Able to roll into a ball tight enough to cover all vulnerable body parts
  • Tongue is long and sticky to help them catch food
  • Utilize the burrows of other animals so they do not often need to dig their own

Threats

  • Hunting and poaching for the pet trade and food
  • Climate change
  • Habitat fragmentation and destruction

IUCN Conservation Status

Near Threatened

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