Giant armadillos are nocturnal, solitary and rarely researched in the wild.
Of the 20 species of armadillos in existence, the giant armadillo--or Priodontes maximus--is the largest. According to the World Land Trust, most of these creatures inhabit untouched savannas and forests, typically near a convenient water source, from Venezuela to Paraguay. However, because of their reclusive nature, little is known of the giant armadillo. Males and females are identical in most ways, including their appearance and feeding habits. Since research done in the wild is lacking, there are only a few confirmed differences between females and males.
Size
The female giant armadillo typically weighs slightly less than the male. On average, the body and head combined of these creatures measure between 29 and 40 inches. The long tails of the giant armadillo can measure 20 inches long. They weigh between 40 and 72 pounds. In captivity, some have reached as much as 132 pounds.
Reproduction
Reproduction is where female and male giant armadillos differ most. Little field work has been done to document the mating periods and practices of the giant armadillo, so most of what people know about the male and female roles in reproduction and parenting is gleaned from studies of other armadillo groups. According to an August 2010 article from the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, it is logical to assume two giant armadillos pair for one breeding season within a burrow. One or occasionally a pair of offspring result from breeding, and babies weigh less than half a pound at birth. Females protect and stay with their young for four to six weeks, until the baby is completely weaned, and then another four to six months until babies reach maturity.
Description
Most characteristics of the male and female giant armadillo are the same, including appearance. Their hard shells are comprised of bony, hinged plates--11 to 13 around the body and three or four around the neck area. They have 80 to 100 teeth, which is more than any other mammal.
Feeding
Male and female armadillos feed in the same way--solitarily, nocturnally, spending most of their time in burrows. Giant armadillos, like many other species, have four toes on both front feet and five on each hind food, all capped with formidable claws. They reach their food by using powerful legs and long claws. The claws on the third toes protrude farther than the rest with a sickle shape, to dig underground. They prefer termite and ant mounds and, after feeding, will often remain in their burrow for up to 24 hours.
Status
As of August 2010, the giant armadillo status was considered threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. It is on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species and considered to have a declining population. Common causes for this include hunting, habitat destruction and trapping and killing for the illegal animal trade.
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