Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Cingulata
- Family
- Chlamyphoridae
- Genus
- Cabassous
Habitat
This species inhabits the dry forests, savannas, and scrublands of the Gran Chaco region in South America, including parts of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It prefers areas with loose, sandy soils for burrowing and is often found in regions with sparse vegetation and seasonal rainfall. These armadillos avoid dense forests and wetlands.
Diet
The Chacoan naked-tailed armadillo primarily feeds on ants, termites, and other insects, which it locates by sniffing and digging into the ground. It uses its sticky tongue to extract prey from nests and may also consume small amounts of plant matter or larvae. Feeding occurs mainly at night when the armadillo is most active.
Behavior
This armadillo is primarily nocturnal, spending its days hidden in burrows to avoid predators and heat. It is solitary, maintaining small territories and only interacting during mating season. Notable behaviors include rapid digging to escape threats and a habit of plugging burrow entrances for protection.
Conservation Status
The IUCN lists the Chacoan naked-tailed armadillo as Near Threatened due to habitat loss from agriculture and deforestation. Population trends are decreasing, with major threats including hunting for meat and roadkill.