The pichi is a solitary, diurnal species that shelters in shallow burrows excavated with its muscular limbs and long claws (2) (5). In common with other hairy armadillos, it forages for a wide variety of food including invertebrates, carrion and plant material (2) (4). If confronted by a threat far from its burrow, the usual reaction of the pichi is to draw its limbs under the edges of its armour so that it lies flush with the ground. Alternatively, it will escape to its burrow where it uses the serrated edges of the carapace to anchor itself firmly to the surrounding dirt (2). At least some pichis enter hibernation over winter, a strategy not known in any other armadillo, and one which is probably critical to its survival in the southernmost parts of its range (5). Very little is known about the breeding behaviour of the pichi but one to three young are usually born following a gestation period of 60 days. The young are fully weaned at six weeks and become sexually active after nine months to a year (2) (4).

The pichi is a small, hairy armadillo with the southernmost distribution of any species in the armadillo family. Like other armadillos, the upper surface of the pichi's body, including much of the head, back, sides, and tail, comprises flexible skin overlaid with armour-like bony plates and tough horny skin (2) (3). This protective carapace is generally dark-brown in colour, except along the lateral edges and tail, where the plates are more yellow to white. Fine blackish hairs and long yellow, brown and white bristles protrude between the individual plates on the back, while coarse yellowish hairs cover the soft skin on the underside of the body. Powerful, well-developed claws extend from the digits of both the hands and feet. Compared with other armadillo species, the ears are very small (2).

This small armadillo ranges from Argentina (Mendoza, San Luis, and southwestern Buenos Aires) and eastern Chile south to the Straits of Magellan. It is found from sea level to 2,500 m asl.

Living in grasslands and open pampas, Zaedyus pichiy can be found in Chile, South Argentina, and Patagonia, south to the Strait of Magellan (Macdonald, 1984; Nowak, 1999).

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

The pichi is found in the Argentine provinces of Mendoza, San Luis, Buenos Aires, and south through eastern Chile to the Straits of Magellan (1) (4).

The head and body length of -Zaedyus pichiy- is between 260-335mm while the tail length is about 100-140mm. The pichi has very small ears, well developed claws, and dark brown armor. The armor usually has white to yellow edges with hairs sticking up between them; hairs range from mostly black bristles to longer yellow and white hairs. The tail is usually yellow (Nowak, 1999).

Range mass: 1 to 2 kg.

Average basal metabolic rate: 2.192 W.

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial

The pichi is found in the grasslands and arid regions of southern South America. It usually resides in areas with sandy soils. It burrows underground but is found above ground both during night and day (Macdonald, 1984; Nowak, 1999).

Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland

Occurs in deserts, dry grassland and shrubland on sandy soil (1).

The pichi's diet usually consists of insects, worms, some plant matter (like tubers), carrion, and other animal matter. It has also been known to eat some rodents and lizards (Parker, 1990; Nowak, 1999; Macdonald, 1984).

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 9.0 years.

Maximum longevity: 12.5 years (captivity)

Little is known about the reproduction of -Zaedyus pichiy-. It is speculated that it breeds all year with a gestation period of about 60 days. The pichi has litters of 1-3 babies weighing about 95-115g which are weaned at about 6 weeks. Life expectancy is guessed to be at about 9 years (Nowak, 1999).

Average birth mass: 105 g.

Average gestation period: 60 days.

Average number of offspring: 2.

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: 3
Species With Barcodes: 1

The pichi is still abundant in its natural environment and is widely distributed. It has no special conservation status yet (Parker (ed.), 1990).

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: no special status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: near threatened

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

Population

Population Trend

Major Threats

Although the pichi is relatively widespread, its numbers are thought to be declining, primarily as a result of hunting for food and sport. In parts of its range, an unknown disease associated with rainy periods has led to increased pichi mortality, while its habitat is also thought to be locally threatened by livestock overgrazing (1).

Conservation Actions

Despite legislation that prohibits the hunting of pichi in Argentina, it continues to be targeted by hunters. Fortunately, it is present in many protected areas across its range (1).

Some people have used -Zaedyus pichiy- as pets and it has been known to be used as a tasty food source (Macdonald, 1984; Nowak, 1999).