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Giant armadillo

Giant armadillo

Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Status
Vulnerable

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
Forest, Grassland, Wetland, Freshwater, Desert, Mountain

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
seeds, plant shoots, grasses, and wild berries

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
crepuscular

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Giant Armadillo is presumably solitary, except during breeding and while females rear their offspring. It is naturally rare where it occurs. It has a very patchy distribution. Home ranges vary regionally between 452 ha and 1500 ha. Home ranges of males and females often overlap. Densities range from 3 - 4 ind / 100 km? in Brazil to 5 - 8 ind / 100 km? in Colombia and 5 - 8 - 6 - 3 ind / 100 km? in Bolivia.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Giant armadillo is officially designated as Vulnerable. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to forest, grassland, wetland, freshwater, desert, mountain, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of seeds, plant shoots, grasses, and wild berries. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a crepuscular activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 15 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Giant armadillo.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangeColombia, Ecuador, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
Habitat RangeForest, Grassland, Wetland, Freshwater, Desert, Mountain
Lifespan15 Yrs
StatusVulnerable
ScientificPriodontes maximus
Registry Info
Lifespan15 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilyDasypodidae