Description

The Andean hairy armadillo reaches a total length of from 8-1/2 to 15-1/2 inches, not including the tail. It has 18 dorsal bands, 8 of which are movable. Unlike other armadillos, it has hair between the majority of its scales and on its legs and underside. Color varies from yellowish to light brown.

Distribution and Habitat

The Andean hairy armadillo is native to the Andes range of Bolivia and northern Chile. It lives in grasslands at high altitudes, primarily above 11,480 feet elevation.

Habits and Behaviors

The Andean hairy armadillo is noctural during the summer months to avoid the heat of the day, feeding at night. Its habits are reversed in the winter, however, with feeding taking place during the day to take advantage of what warmth there is. It digs a deep burrow into a slope to sleep in when not active, but rarely uses the same burrow more than once. It lives a solitary existence except for mating and, in the case of females, the raising of young.

Reproduction

Mating takes place in the fall. Two young are born after a gestation period of about two months. The young rely on their mother for about a month before able to forage on their own, and are able to take up independent lives at about two months. Sexual maturity is reached at about nine months.

Diet

The Andean hairy armadillo is omnivorous, eating small vertebrates, insects, and some vegetable matter. It will sometimes burrow under, or even into, a carcass to get at maggots and will also dig into soft soil for grubs and insects.

Conservation Status

The Andean hairy armadillo is very endangered.

Scientific Classification

Phylum Chordata
Subphylum Vertebrata
Class Mammalia
Order Edentata
Family Dasypodidae
Subfamily Dasypodinae
Genus and species Chaetophractus nationi

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