The genus Tolypeutes contains the two species of three-banded armadillos. They are restricted to open and semi-open habitats in South America.
Of the several armadillo genera, only Tolypeutes rely heavily on their armor for protection. When threatened by a predator, Tolypeutes species frequently roll up into a ball. Other armadillo species cannot roll up because they have too many plates. This species is endangered due to the deforestation done in their native land of Brazil, including the hunting by the locals. Despite this defense mechanism, they lack the ability to dig burrows such as their competition in that environment; instead they will look for abandoned burrows. Deforestation is the main concern due to their downfall with digging burrows since they have nowhere to hide from predators or even locals.
There are two recognized species:[1]
The genus Tolypeutes contains the two species of three-banded armadillos. They are restricted to open and semi-open habitats in South America.
Of the several armadillo genera, only Tolypeutes rely heavily on their armor for protection. When threatened by a predator, Tolypeutes species frequently roll up into a ball. Other armadillo species cannot roll up because they have too many plates. This species is endangered due to the deforestation done in their native land of Brazil, including the hunting by the locals. Despite this defense mechanism, they lack the ability to dig burrows such as their competition in that environment; instead they will look for abandoned burrows. Deforestation is the main concern due to their downfall with digging burrows since they have nowhere to hide from predators or even locals.
