Along with the commonly cited threat of habitat loss from deforestation , the biggest threat to the continued survival of the Giant armadillo is hunting as their meat is considered an important source of protein for many indigenous peoples.
One answer is, it is threatened because its meat and skin are hunted extensively for use in manufacturing leather goods . Also known as the pichiciego, the Giant Armadillo is a huge armadillo with a coat of hard shell and spikes. Although it is not presently on the endangered species list, continued deforestation puts it at risk.
Do giant armadillos live in the rainforest?
Giant armadillos are very fast on the ground and can sometimes balance themselves on their hind legs and tails, with their forefeet off the ground. Giant armadillos prefer to live in burrows near water in grassland, brushland, woodland, and forests where termite mounds are present.
The giant armadillo is the largest of all armadillos and found in South America, east of the Andes, from northwestern Venezuela to northeastern Argentina. Adults grow as long as 35 inches and can weigh over 70 lb.
Are armadillos mammals?
Armadillos are an amazing group of animals that originated in South America. Armadillos are mammals , just like you. Armadillos are built to dig. They have short, strong legs that are well suited to rapid digging, either for food or for shelter. Many species of armadillo are endangered or threatened.
Why do armadillos have tough skin?
The young armadillos are born with tough leathery skin to protect them from dangerous predators . Giant armadillos have suffered from loss of habitat due to agricultural development and human settlement, and they are also overhunted by humans for food. Some are killed by farmers because they are thought to damage crops.
Do armadillos eat termites?
Preferred diet is ants and termites, but they will also eat other insects, worms, spiders, larvae, snakes, and carrion. Giant armadillos can consume entire termite mound populations once discovered. Little is known about the mating behavior of this species. Other armadillo species are known to pair up during mating season and share a burrow.