1SPECIES FACT SHEET

Children’s Zoo

Common name: Southern Three Banded Armadillo

Scientific name: Tolypeutes matacus
Family: Dasypodidae
Order: Cingulata

Closest Animal Relatives: 20 species of armadillos

Geographic Distribution:
Habitat:
Found from eastern Bolivia and south-western Brazil, south
through the Gran Chaco of Paraguay, to Argentina. The species
was once present in southern Buenos Aires Province but recent
surveys suggest that it is now extinct in this area. The reason for its
disappearing from Buenos Aires is unknown, but may be related to
climate. It ranges from sea level up to 770 m asl (Argentina).

Status in the wild: Near Threatened and Decreasing as of 2009

Predators: Cats and mostly humans.

Social Structure:

Litter Size: 1
Name of young: Pup
Gestation:

Average Size:

Diet:
Wild: Ants, termites, other insects, small invertebrates and some fruit.
Captivity: High protein anteater mix with water like a milkshake

Life Span:
Wild: 5-7 years Captivity: 15 years

Adaptations: They get their name because of the stretchy like skin, called scutes on their
backs. Sometimes they will have 2 to 4 bands. If threatened, they can curl
up into a tight ball like a puzzle.

Major Threats: Threatened by hunting for food; as it is not fossorial, it is easier to hunt
than other armadillo species. It is also threatened by habitat destruction
through conversion of suitable habitat to cultivated land; however, it is
able to adapt to low levels of agricultural disturbance. This species is
exported to zoos and for pet trade, and there is a high mortality of
individuals during this export process.

Updated 12/21/21
Conservation Actions: They have been recorded from a number of protected areas. There
is a captive population in North America.

Special Notes: The three banded armadillos is the only species of armadillo that can roll
up into a ball for protection. Eyesight and hearing are poor but their sense
of smell is excellent. They can detect insects up to 8” underground. The 9
Banded Armadillo is the only species found in the US.

Updated 12/21/21