Brazilian Three-banded Armadillo
Tolypeutes tricinctus
Conservation Status
Near ThreatenedMammalia · Cingulata · Dasypodidae
About
The Brazilian three-banded armadillo is an armadillo species endemic to eastern Brazil, where it is known as tatu-bola. It is one of only two species of armadillo that can roll into a ball.
Fun Fact
The Brazilian three-banded armadillo is the only armadillo that can roll into a perfect sphere — other species can only partially curl and must run or dig to escape predators.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Lives primarily in open savannahs (Cerrado) and dry woodlands (Caatinga), where low rainfall and poor soil limit the vegetation to tall, woody grasses, scattered bushes, and gnarled trees.
Diet
Prey, it frantically digs a hole and thrust its nose into it, using its long, sticky tongue to lap up any insects it may find.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance