ARMADILLOS

This species is generally known from the Chaco region of Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. A small, isolated population inhabits an area of around 900 km2 on the coast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. It is separated from the core population by approximately 500 km. Records from Chile are probably C. nationi. It is found from sea level to 1,000 m asl.

C. vellerosus is primarily found in xeric environments, in both lowland and upland areas with loose sandy soils. It can be found in some degraded habitats (arable land, pastureland and plantations).

The screaming hairy armadillo constructs burrows, and it is absent from rocky areas where burrows cannot be excavated (Greegor, 1985; Abba et al., 2007; Abba, 2008; Abba and Cassini, 2008).  Males and females reach maturity at one year of age, and the female gives birth to one yearly litter of one or two young. Gestation length is 60 days. The population status of C. vellerosus is not known, but the wild populations are thought to be stable.

C. vellerosus is heavily hunted for its meat and carapace (including for charangos; Aguiar and Fonseca, 2008), especially by indigenous groups in some parts of the Chaco region in Bolivia (Cuéllar and Noss, 2003; Noss et al., 2008). It is also persecuted as an agricultural pest. In addition, some animals are killed by dogs. The isolated population on the coast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, is negatively affected by mining activities (Abba, 2008).

C. vellerosus is listed as Least Concern because, although susceptible to hunting in parts of its range, it is widespread and rates of offtake are not believed to be at a level that would warrant listing in a category of threat. The disjunct population in Buenos Aires Province is subjected to habitat modification within its restricted range. Further studies are needed to determine the taxonomic status of this particular population.
The screaming hairy armadillo is present in a number of protected areas. The highest density of this species in a protected area probably occurs in the Kaa-Iya National Park (3.4 million hectares), Bolivia.

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.