Why the Nine Banded Armadillo is Flourishing Today
The Nine Banded Armadillo is the most common armadillo, and the one that you first think of when you hear the term "armadillo." This specific species has done quite well and has expanded its territory greatly over the past century. Originating in South America, the Nine Banded Armadillo migrated to the United States, which has suitable dry climate areas for the armadillo.
Contents at a Glance
Why did the armadillo cross the road? It is a risky maneuver and most of them o...
From Renner Woods, Plano, Texas
Dasypus novemcinctusVisit my blog at:
Nine-banded Armadillo
We have a family of these that visit the yard most every night and stir up the d...
Armadillo Invasion
The spread of the Nine Banded Armadillo over the South
The Nine Banded initially was only found in eastern Texas in the early 1900's, however, it quickly spread to other areas. There are a number of reasons why this has hapenned, from development of cities forcing the animals to other areas, to climate change. Another reason why these animals have flourished, and possibly the biggest reason, is the lack of predators. The armadillo is highly protected by its thick, scaley armor, and proves to be a difficult source of food for any other animal. It's natural predators have also been in decline, allowing the animal to spread out across several other states across the South.
Armadillo near a creek, it's preferred home
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Armadillo Sightings...
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Why all the Roadkill?
Nine Banded Armadillos are commonly seen across Texas as roadkill. These animals are usually nocturnal, and have poor eyesight. It doesn't help that they are also sluggish, and usually jump UP when frightened. The Nine Banded has also moved into more populated areas, increasing car strikes.
Armadillo XING Kids Dark T-Shirt
Watch our for Armadillo! They're very prone to getting hit by cars. You'll see this Armadillo XING sign all over some of the southern states. Looks cute on this kids t-shirt!
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Armadillos Love I-10
You're likely to see some armadillos on your I-10 road trip across the southern states. See some of the sites you can see across the southern states of the country here.-
Planning a US Road Trip: The Southern Route
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An Endangered Armadillo
The Giant Armadillo
Not all armadillos are doing as well as the Nine-Banded Armadillo of the Southwest. The Giant Armadillo of South America is in danger of dying out, and is an endangered species.
Euphractus sexcinctus - an armadillo...not a giant woodlouse!!!
has a look like
Armadillo Videos
Texas Armadillo
For everyone that hasn't seen an armadillo up close, here you go. Straight from South Texas, found this Nine-banded Armadillo and followed him back to his burrow. He put on a little show for me. After I stopped filming he came out again and jumped two feet over my legs. Fell over I was so surprised.
Runtime: 2:02
115122 views
10 Comments:
Armadillo Links
- Armadillo Online!
- Devoted entirely to the armadillo, this site has amazing pictures and facts.
- National Geographic Profile on the Armadillo
- A quick profile from National Geographic providing armadillo facts.
- Nine Banded Armadillo
- Nine Banded Armadillo factsheet.
Relatives of the Armadillo
Armadillos are closely related to anteaters and sloths. Check out these cool animals right here on Squidoo!-
Armadillo -- Armored Mammal
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The armadillo is quite an interesting looking mammal. I first became acquainted with these small placental mammals when I moved to Florida. I saw my first armadillo when I first moved to Florida many years ago. My frequent spottings usually are of th...
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Aardvark Love
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Aardvark: noun a nocturnal, insectivorous mammal, Orycteropus afer, with large ears, a long snout, and a long tongue, native to sub-Saharan Africa. [Afrikaans from aarde earth + vark pig] — Canadian Oxford Dictionary
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S Is For Sloth
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Sloths are nocturnal, South American mammals known for being especially slow-moving.
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In Short...
Nine Banded Armadillos are doing okay. Some speculate their recent spread to other southern states is from climate change, while others argue human development is the reason. While this species is doing just fine, the Giant Armadillo continues to decline in South America.
Seen an Armadillo Lately?
Tell us about it!
CoolFoto wrote...
We have lots of armadillos. A family built a den in the courtyard of the villa next door. They are all over suburban Florida.
Posted July 04, 2009
naturegirl7 wrote...
We have lots of armadillos down here. Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
Posted November 01, 2008
ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...
The Armadillo is a fascinating creature. I've never seen one not even in a zoo. Someday...
Great lens.
Lizzy
Posted August 14, 2008
Lakota429 wrote...
Very interesting! I love it! Saw your new one on the board. Great job! 5 stars! Annie~
Posted June 24, 2008
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