Today, all extant armadillo species are still present in South America. They are particularly diverse in Paraguay (where 11 species exist) and surrounding areas. Many species are endangered.
Giant armadillos live in a vast territory in South America ; they can adapt to a variety of habitats, terrains and environments. Therefore, they can be found in tropical forests, savannas, forests and floodplains. In fact, some giant armadillos have even been seen to even live at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level.
The giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus), colloquially tatu-canastra, tatou, ocarro or tatú carreta, is the largest living species of armadillo (although their extinct relatives, the glyptodonts, were much larger). It lives in South America , ranging throughout as far south as northern Argentina .
Where do armadillos live?
The giant armadillo lives in the tropical forests of northeastern South America , extending approximately from Venezuela to northern Argentina. Their range starts at the eastern side of the Andes, but it doesn’t reach the far east of the continent.
One way to think about this is the northern naked-tailed armadillo and nine-banded armadillo, are the two species that are found in Central America. Many species of armadillos are endangered. The nine-banded armadillo has reached the United States, primarily in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida .
One answer is, the nine-banded armadillo ranges from Argentina to the southern United States, according to the Animal Diversity Web (ADW) at the University of Michigan. Since the mid-19th century, nine-banded armadillos have expanded northward. They have been seen in Florida and are now common in Missouri.
Giant armadillos live in a variety of habitats, preferring, however, areas with a large population of termites. They can occasionally be seen in arid and semi-arid woodlands, savannas, tropical and subtropical rainforests as well as Brazilian floodplains. Giant armadillos are mainly nocturnal animals .
Why are armadillos important to Native Americans?
Hunted throughout its range, a single giant armadillo supplies a great deal of meat, and is the primary source of protein for some indigenous peoples. In addition, live giant armadillos are frequently captured for trade on the black market, and invariably die during transportation or in captivity.
How many species of armadillos are there in the world?
There are total of 21 extant species of armadillo have been described. They are classified on the basis of the number of bands on their armour. Presently, most of the species of armadillos live in South America. 11 species out of 21 live in Paraguay and surrounding areas.
How many different types of armadillos are there?
They are classified on the basis of the number of bands on their armour. Presently, most of the species of armadillos live in South America. 11 species out of 21 live in Paraguay and surrounding areas. The northern naked-tailed armadillo and nine -banded armadillo, are the two species that are found in Central America.
Why is the giant armadillo so rare?
In addition, live giant armadillos are frequently captured for trade on the black market, and invariably die during transportation or in captivity. Despite this species’ wide range, it is locally rare . This is further exacerbated by habitat loss resulting from deforestation.
Are armadillos illegal in the US?
Unauthorized use is prohibited . Of the 20 varieties of armadillo, all but one live in Latin America. The familiar nine-banded armadillo is the only species that includes the United States in its range.