Dwarf Armadillo

The pichi is a solitary, diurnal species that shelters in shallow burrows excavated with its muscular limbs and long claws (2) (5). In common with other hairy armadillos, it forages for a wide variety of food including invertebrates, carrion and plant material (2) (4). If confronted by a threat far from its burrow, the usual reaction of the pichi is to draw its limbs under the edges of its armour so that it lies flush with the ground. Alternatively, it will escape to its burrow where it uses the serrated edges of the carapace to anchor itself firmly to the surrounding dirt (2). At least some pichis enter hibernation over winter, a strategy not known in any other armadillo, and one which is probably critical to its survival in the southernmost parts of its range (5). Very little is known about the breeding behaviour of the pichi but one to three young are usually born following a gestation period of 60 days. The young are fully weaned at six weeks and become sexually active after nine months to a year (2) (4).

Despite legislation that prohibits the hunting of pichi in Argentina, it continues to be targeted by hunters. Fortunately, it is present in many protected areas across its range (1).

The pichi is a small, hairy armadillo with the southernmost distribution of any species in the armadillo family. Like other armadillos, the upper surface of the pichi's body, including much of the head, back, sides, and tail, comprises flexible skin overlaid with armour-like bony plates and tough horny skin (2) (3). This protective carapace is generally dark-brown in colour, except along the lateral edges and tail, where the plates are more yellow to white. Fine blackish hairs and long yellow, brown and white bristles protrude between the individual plates on the back, while coarse yellowish hairs cover the soft skin on the underside of the body. Powerful, well-developed claws extend from the digits of both the hands and feet. Compared with other armadillo species, the ears are very small (2).

Occurs in deserts, dry grassland and shrubland on sandy soil (1).

The pichi is found in the Argentine provinces of Mendoza, San Luis, Buenos Aires, and south through eastern Chile to the Straits of Magellan (1) (4).

Classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List (1).

Although the pichi is relatively widespread, its numbers are thought to be declining, primarily as a result of hunting for food and sport. In parts of its range, an unknown disease associated with rainy periods has led to increased pichi mortality, while its habitat is also thought to be locally threatened by livestock overgrazing (1).