Municipality of Tourist Interest
Animals of the Brazilian Fauna
Armadillo
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Nome Científico
Euphractus sexcinctus
Características
The nine-banded armadillo is a small mammal with a segmented carapace, formed by horny plates that protect it from predators. Its coloration varies from yellow to light brown, and it has six to seven movable stripes on its back. It can weigh up to 6 kg and measure about 50 cm in length.
Ocorrência
Found throughout South America, especially in open areas such as savannas, fields, and forest edges. It prefers sandy or clayey soils, where it digs burrows for shelter.
Comportamento
It is a solitary animal with nocturnal habits, spending the day in burrows and coming out at night to look for food. Nine-banded armadillos are excellent diggers and can quickly bury themselves to escape predators.
Alimentação
Their diet is omnivorous, including insects, small vertebrates, roots, fruits, and carrion. They use their keen sense of smell to locate food in the soil.
Reprodução
Reproduction usually occurs during the rainy season. After a gestation period of about 60 to 65 days, the female gives birth to one to four pups, which are nursed for several weeks.
Preservação
Although not endangered, they face pressure due to hunting and habitat destruction. In some areas, they are hunted for their meat and shells.
Curiosidades
The name “peba” comes from the Tupi-Guarani language and means “flattened,” a reference to the armadillo's body shape.
Peba armadillos are important to the ecosystem because their burrows provide shelter for other species.