All about the pink fairy armadillo! By Keira Lin Ziying

Let’s learn more about this cute creature!

1. They are a type of species of armadillo!

As its name suggests, the pink fairy armadillo is a kind of armadillo. In fact, it is the smallest armadillo known!

2. It is very rare to see one!

According to the WWF, the pink fairy armadillo stays underground most of the time, so it is very rare to see one. In fact, one researcher spent 13 years trying to find a pink fairy armadillo! Sadly, they are endangered under the IUCN red list since 1970.

3. So you must be thinking, why do they live underground? Well this is why:

Pink fairy armadillos stay underground to conserve moisture in its habitat and protects them from predators and extreme temperatures. They are also nocturnal, meaning that they are awake at night.

4. It has a unique thin shell!

The pink armadillo has a pink flexible shell, allowing it to curl up into a ball, just like any other species of armadillos. It protects the armadillo’s body and helps it with temperature regulation.

5. All about the large feet!

They also have large feet which allows it to burrow into the soil at a faster rate. It can find prey or escape from predators easily with this ability!

6. Where did the pink fairy armadillo originate from?

They were first found in Monte Desert in Argentina despite the hot weather! This shows that they can survive in the desert with their ability to burrow underground where it is less hotter than above ground in the hot dessert.

7. Diet of a pink fairy armadillo!

They are actually carnivorous and more specifically, insectivores, meaning they feed on insects for meat. They can also eat invertebrates such as worms and snails. If none can be found, they can also eat plants.