Big hairy armadillo Chaetophractus villosus

Animals in our sanctuary

Arnold (Male)

Date of birth

17-02-2008

Date taken in

08-10-2015

Arnold and Edgard were brought at De Zonnegloed in October 2015 after a bankruptcy of a zoo in the Netherlands. When we saw their papers, we saw that these animals had been in four different places before they lived in the bankrupt animal park. Now they can enjoy their permanent home peacefully here in De Zonnegloed.

Appearance

The brown-haired armadillo is recognizable by its armor of horn plates and flexible bands. This shell covers its back and head, while its belly is covered in hair. Its skin ranges in color from brown to pinkish, and its hair varies from grayish-brown to white. It has a flattened skull, and its teeth continue to grow throughout its life. The animal has strong claws on its front legs, which it uses for digging and defending itself against predators.

Behavior

Brown-haired armadillos spend a large part of their time in burrows, which they dig themselves. They use these burrows as shelters against predators and to avoid extreme temperatures. In summer, they are mainly active at night, while in winter, they are more likely to search for food during the day.

Diet

This armadillo is an opportunistic omnivore. In summer, it primarily feeds on insects, worms, and small vertebrates such as rodents and lizards. In winter, when animal-based food is scarcer, it also eats plants, roots, and fruits. It even digs under carcasses to reach maggots and larvae.

Habitat

The brown-haired armadillo inhabits savannas, grasslands, and desert-like regions of South America, particularly in Argentina, southeastern Bolivia, and Paraguay. It can be found at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters and is also present in agricultural areas.

Reproduction

The mating season begins in September. After a gestation period of 60 to 75 days, two identical young are usually born, often one male and one female. The young are born with soft, leathery skin that gradually hardens into a shell. They open their eyes after 16 to 30 days and start eating solid food at around 35 days old. They reach sexual maturity after 9 months.

Threats

Despite being hunted for its meat and armor, the population remains stable. The species has a wide distribution and is well adapted to various conditions. Although some farmers consider it a pest, it is common in protected nature reserves and is classified as "Not Threatened" by the IUCN.