Endangered Species Guide : Mammals : Animal Planet

Endangered Mammals

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GIANT ARMADILLO (Priodontes maximus)

Armadillos are insectivorous mammals that are covered in armored plates of hardened skin on their back, sides, limbs and tail. They have a huge claw on their front feet, which is used to dig up soil in search of food items such as insects and other small animals. The giant armadillo, by far the largest of the armadillos, can weigh more than 60 pounds. They are found in the Amazon Basin of South America but are endangered throughout their range due to hunting and habitat loss.

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IUCN Status: Vulnerable
USFWS Status: Endangered
Major Threats: Hunting and habitat loss
Habitat: Prefers tropical rain forest
Location: Amazon Basin of South America
Diet: Ants and termites

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