ARMADILLOS

D. pilosus has been recorded only from the south-western Peruvian Andes in the departments of San Martín, La Libertad, Huánuco, and Junín (Pacheco et al., 1995; Gardner, 2005). It has recently been observed in the department of Amazonas (L. Bermúdez Larrazábal, pers. comm., 2009). The known localities were incorrectly mapped by Wetzel (1982), and repeated in Eisenberg and Redford (1999). It ranges from 500 to 3,000 m asl. The exact range of this species is unknown; only five locations are known to date due to the lack of field studies.

This little-known species is endemic to the Peruvian yungas (sub-tropical montane deciduous and evergreen forests). It is found in areas with dense or shady cover and limestone formations. Deforestation is advancing at a fast pace within the range of D. pilosus, leading to a continuing decline in suitable habitat.

There is no information on the biology or population status of this small armadillo species.

The hairy long-nosed armadillo is threatened by severe deforestation of its habitat. It is likely subjected to hunting, but there is no information on the intensity and the degree to which it constitutes a major threat.

D. pilosus is listed as Vulnerable due to the very limited number of known locations, and because there is continuing and accelerating decline of its fragmented habitat. It has been recorded from the Río Abiseo National Park.

Additional information and a complete list of references can be found in: Abba, A.M. and M. Superina (2010): The 2009/2010 Armadillo Red List Assessment. Edentata 11(2): 135-184. This article is available here.