Taxonomic Name: Tolypeutes matacus

Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)  

Wild Range: Dry grasslands in central South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.

Diet: Ants and termites

Longevity in the wild: Unknown

Size: 25 cm (excluding the tail)

Weight: 1 – 1.6 kg 

Fun Fact: The Southern three-banded armadillo is one of only two species of armadillo that can roll themselves into a complete ball. Once rolled up, their armoured scales (made of keratin) help protect them from predators.

APZ Location: Kinsmen Discovery Centre

Conservation Story: This species is threatened by habitat loss and overharvesting for food in its native range. Southern three-banded armadillos have a slow reproductive rate, which could make it more difficult for them to recover from steep population declines. More research is needed on their life history, including their life expectancy in the wild, to inform conservation efforts better.

Come by the Kinsmen Discovery Centre on your next visit to the Zoo and say hi to Afonso, the Southern three-banded armadillo!