By Anna Frostic
Geographic Range
Chaetophractus nationi is endemic to Bolivia and northern Chile, in the Andes mountain range. (Yensen et al, 1994)
Biogeographic Regions:
neotropical 
(native ).
Habitat
(11480 ft)
Chaetophractus nationi lives in grasslands at high altitudes, in an ecosystem called the Puna. (Montgomery, 1985)
These animals are found in the following types of habitat:
temperate .
Terrestrial Biomes:
mountains .
Physical Description
Head and body length reaches 220 to 400 mm and the tail length is 90 to 175 mm. The head shield is 60 mm long and 60 mm wide. This armadillo has 18 dorsal bands, 8 of which are movable. (Nowak, 1999) Unlike other armadillos, Chaetophractus nationi has hair between the majority of its sclaes, and is completely covered on its legs and underside. Color varies from yellowish to light brown. As with other Dasypodids, the teeth are not covered in enamel, and grow continuously. Body temperature is regulated somewhat ectothermically, and burrows are used to cool down in the summer. (Yensen et al, 1994)
Some key physical features:
endothermic ; heterothermic ; bilateral symmetry .
Reproduction
Fall
Chaetophractus nationi is solitary, with males and females only coming together for mating purposes.
Mating systems:
polygynandrous (promiscuous) .
After mating in the fall, females are pregnant for two months before giving birth to a litter of two. After birth, an individual immediately develops epidermal scales that eventually harden and join to form armor plates. Each infant is fully dependent on its mother until weaning, which occurs at about 50 days. Young rely heavily on their mothers for almost a month until they develop adult teeth and begin to forage. Sexual maturity is reached at about nine months. (Grzimek, 1990)
Key reproductive features:
seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (external ).
The female is solely responsible for parental care in this species.
Parental investment:
female parental care .
Lifespan/Longevity
(Montgomery, 1985)
Behavior
Chaetophractus nationi is nocturnal during the summer months to avoid the heat of the day and to maximize feeding time at night. However, in the winter nocturnal habits are reversed, and foraging occurs in the day time. These solitary creatures dig deep burrows on slopes to sleep in, but rarely use a burrow more than once. (Yensen et al, 1994)
Each individual's home range is approximately 3.4 hectares. (Montgomery, 1985)
Food Habits
Chaetophractus nationi is omnivorous, eating some small vertebrates, many insects, and some vegetation. (Greegor 1980)
Primary Diet:
omnivore .
Animal Foods:
birds; mammals; reptiles; eggs; carrion ; insects; terrestrial non-insect arthropods.
Plant Foods:
roots and tubers; seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit.
Predation
- humans (Homo sapiens)
The bony plates of armour that surround this animal's body serve as protection from predators. (Nixon, 2000)
Ecosystem Roles
May limit harmful insect populations. (Montgomery 1985)
Key ways these animals impact their ecosystem:
soil aeration .
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive
In Bolivia and Chile, Andean Hairy Armadillos have been used for meat, musical instruments, decorations, good luck charms, and medicine for rheumatism. (Yensen et al, 1994)
Ways that people benefit from these animals:
food ; source of medicine or drug .
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: [link]:
Vulnerable.
US Federal List: [link]:
No special status.
CITES: [link]:
Appendix II.
Chaetophractus nationi is so endangered that CITES has issued a no import/export policy for trade of this species. (1996 IUCN Red List)
Contributors
Anna Frostic (author), University of Michigan.
Bret Weinstein (editor), University of Michigan.
