13 August: Internacional Armadillo Day

International Armadillo Day is celebrated every year on August 13, with the purpose of making this animal with particular physical features visible in the world, as well as to raise awareness of the importance of caring for the species to avoid its possible extinction. Learn more about this date and curiosities in this article.

Armadillos are mammals native to Central and South America, as well as some parts of North America. They are unique and fascinating animals known for their protective carapace made of bony plates. Although they are interesting creatures, some of the challenges facing armadillos include habitat loss due to human expansion, hunting, collision with vehicles in urban and rural areas.

Habitat and diet of the armadillo

Armadillos live in tropical forests, burrowing in caves or hollows that they usually dig with their long legs, but they do not stay there for long because they cannot breathe for long underground.

They are accustomed to nocturnal life and during the day they remain in their burrows, they are very solitary and have an excellent sense of smell and hearing. They are insectivorous animals that feed especially on small animals.

Gravely endangered

Very recent research has once again highlighted the danger to this species. The wild populations of the three families (composed of 9 genera) of dasipodidae have been found to have declined significantly in all their habitats. This is mainly due to deforestation, fires and poaching.

It is known that the species has been facing a problem of declining numbers since the 1990s. But in the last 25 years, the problem has worsened alarmingly. That is why it is so important to raise awareness on International Armadillo Day 2022 of the increasingly urgent need to protect and preserve the species.

To raise awareness of the importance of armadillo conservation and highlight the challenges they face, special initiatives and events can be held at different times and places. These activities can include educational talks, awareness campaigns, fundraising activities, and efforts to protect and preserve armadillo habitats.