Unlike other armadillo species, the southern three-banded armadillo does not dig burrows, and instead takes refuge in the abandoned burrows of other animals such as anteaters (3) (4). While generally a solitary species, as many as twelve southern three-banded armadillos have been found sharing a burrow during the winter (3). This species has a broad diet, comprising of a variety of invertebrates, particularly beetle larvae, which are taken throughout the year, along with large quantities of ants and termites during the dry season (July to November), and fruits during the summer rains (5). When foraging for ants and termites, this species will probe the ground with its snout, prise off tree bark, or tear into nests with its powerful claws. A remarkably fast mover, when threatened the southern three-banded armadillo escapes by running on its hind-legs, with its foreclaws touching the ground (3). Breeding is believed to occur between October and January (4), with most births in Paraguay occurring between November and January (3). After a gestation period of 120 days, the female gives birth to a single young, which is suckled for a further 10 weeks (2) (4). The southern three-banded armadillo reaches sexual maturity at around 9 to 12 months old, and has been known to live for over 17 years in captivity (3).

The southern three banded armadillo is remarkable for being one of the few armadillo species capable of rolling into a ball (2). The armour-plating that covers the body is divided into two domed shells, with three armoured bands in between, joined by flexible bands of skin. These flexures allow the body to bend in the middle, snapping the lower edges of the two body shells together, thereby forming an impregnable ball (2) (3). Other distinctive features of the southern three-banded armadillo are the second, third and fourth toes of the hind feet, which are fused into a hoof-like claw. By contrast, the fore feet have four separate digits each bearing sharp, powerful claws (3)

T. matacus is found from eastern Bolivia and south-western Brazil, south through the Gran Chaco of Paraguay, to Argentina (San Luis province). The species was once present in southern Buenos Aires Province (Yepes 1928) but recent surveys suggest that it is now extinct in this area (Abba and Vizcaíno 2008, A.M. Abba pers. comm. 2010). The reason for its disappearing from Buenos Aires is unknown, but may be related to climate. It ranges from sea level up to 770 m asl (Argentina).

South America: north central Argentina, east central Bolivia and sections of Brazil and Paraguay.

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

The southern three-banded armadillo is found from eastern Bolivia and south-western Brazil, south through the Gran Chaco region of Paraguay, to the province of Buenos Aires in Argentina. It is known to occur from sea level up to elevations of 770 m (1).

Total body length is around 300mm with a tail length of 64mm. They are dark brown and heavely armored with a thick, leathery shell that is usually segmented into 3 bands. This armor covers the tail, head, feet, and back of the animal. The tail is very stout and immobile. The middle three toes on the back feet are grown together and have a thick claw. The forefeet toes are seperated and have 4 claws.

Range mass: 1.4 to 1.6 kg.

Average basal metabolic rate: 1.172 W.

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

This species is found mainly in the grasslands or marshes near dry forests or savannah areas.

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; scrub forest

The southern three-banded armadillo is commonly found in the most arid parts of the Gran Chaco (1), but also occurs in areas of grassland and marshland between scattered forests in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil (3).

This species of armadillo eats mainly ants and termites. They use their strong legs and large claws to dig through insect colonies or under bark to get to their food.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 36 years.

Maximum longevity: 36.8 years (captivity) Observations: One female specimen acquired in 1971 by Lincoln Park Zoo, and estimated to be 3 years of age, passed away in 2005 at an estimated 36.8 years of age (John Gramieri, pers. comm.).

The southern three-banded armadillo reaches sexual maturity at 9-12 months of age. Most of the young are born from November-January but births have been reported throughout the year, indicating that there is no distinct breeding season. The single young are born blind but quickly develop the ability to close their shells and walk. They are no longer dependent on their mothers after 72 days.

Average birth mass: 80 g.

Average gestation period: 120 days.

Average number of offspring: 1.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)

Sex: male: 320 days.

Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)

Sex: female: 320 days.

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Species: 2
Species With Barcodes: 1

They do not appear to be declining at a threatening rate.

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: near threatened

Classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Due to the fact that the southern three-banded armadillo does not dig a burrow, it is easier to hunt than other armadillo species, and faces high-levels of hunting pressure across its range (1) (5). This threat is compounded by the conversion of large amounts of its species' habitat to agricultural land. As a result, the southern three-banded armadillo is undergoing a significant decline and may soon warrant threatened status (1).

Conservation Actions

The southern three-banded armadillo is found in a number of protected areas, which provide a refuge from the habitat destruction that is occurring within its range. In addition, a captive population of this species is maintained in North America (1).

No documented examples.

This species is hunted throughout its range for its meat and is an important food source in some areas.