Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest 1804)

A powerful digger (3), the large hairy armadillo either builds simple burrows for temporary shelter or more complex branching burrows where it resides for longer periods (4). Activity varies between the seasons, being mostly nocturnal in the summer to avoid the heat of the day, but changing to diurnal during the winter. A variety of prey is taken, using a range of unusual foraging techniques including forcing its head into the ground and turning its body to make a conical hole, thereby exposing subterranean invertebrates. It has also been observed to pounce upon small snakes, slicing them with the bottom edge of the body shell. When threatened, the large hairy armadillo will run towards the nearest hole, or attempt to burrow into the ground. If, however, it is unable to escape, this species will draw up its feet, so that the bottom of the shell is level with the ground. When pursued into its burrow, the large hairy armadillo will wedge itself tightly against the walls, by bending its back and thrusting out its feet (3). Although the large hairy armadillo is known to breed during September in Argentina (3), most information about its reproductive biology currently comes from observations of captive animals (4). After a gestation period of 60 to 75 days, the female usually gives birth to two young, which are suckled for a further 50 to 60 days (3) (4). The large hairy armadillo reaches sexual maturity at around 9 months old, and has been known to live for over 23 years in captivity (3).

While there are currently no specific conservation measures in place for the large hairy armadillo, it is known to occur in many protected areas (1).

The largest representative of the genus Chaetophractus (2), the large hairy armadillo is the most common armadillo species in Argentina (1). Like all armadillos, the body and head of this species are extensively armoured with thick bony plates (3), with the head plate being particularly large (2).The central portion of the body shell is divided by bands of skin that provide flexibility to the otherwise rigid upperparts (3). More hairy than most armadillo species (hence its common name), the underparts of this species are densely covered with whitish or light brown hairs, while long, coarse hairs project from the body armour plates (3).

Occupying a wide variety of habitats, the large hairy armadillo can be found in grasslands, savanna, forest and agricultural areas (1).

The large hairy armadillo is found in the Gran Chaco region of Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina, and also occurs south through Argentina to the provinces of Santa Cruz and Magallanes (1). It is also found in eastern Chile from the provinces of Bío-bío, south to Aisén (2), and has been introduced to Tierra del Fuego (1). This species ranges from sea-level, up to elevations of 1,300 metres (1).

Classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Despite being hunted locally for sport, food and for making musical instruments, as well as being deliberately persecuted as an agricultural pest, there appears to be little threat to the large hairy armadillo's survival at present. Although comprehensive surveys are lacking, the extremely wide distribution of this species is indicative that it has a large population, which is resilient against its exploitation (1).