Wednesday, February 20, 2013

[Mammalogy / News • 2013] The birth of a rare Giant Armadillo Priodontes maximus recorded for the first time in Brazil



The birth of a rare giant armadillo has been recorded for the first time in Brazil. Researchers studying the 'vulnerable' animals first saw a male and female sharing a burrow thanks to automated camera traps. Five months later, images showed the female favouring one burrow and soon after the distinctive nose of a baby appeared in shot. The young armadillo was photographed in full as it moved to another home with its mother. "Documenting the birth of a giant armadillo is an exciting step forward to helping us better understand the biology and reproduction of this cryptic species and ultimately help us conserve it," said Dr Arnaud Desbiez, co-ordinator of the Pantanal Giant Armadillo Project.

Rare giant armadillo birth recorded




Scientists document baby giant armadillo for first time