Priodontes maximus
giant armadillo

Giant armadillos, Priodontes maximus, range through much of the neotropics. They are found from southeastern Venezuela and the Guianas in the north through northeastern Brazil, Paraguay, and the extreme north of Argentina. Most of this species' range lies within the Amazon basin. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; Parera, 2002)

Priodontes maximus is typically found in a diverse range of habitats, usually in areas with a large termite population. Although rare, they have been sighted in tropical and subtropical rainforest, savanna, Brazilian floodplains, and arid and semiarid woodlands. In these areas, the armadillos have been found residing up to 500 meters above sea level. (Emmons, 1997; Parera, 2002)

Priodontes maximus is easily distinguished from other armadillos due to its enormous size. In most cases, it weighs upwards of 26 kg, and measures between 832 and 960 mm. Another recognizable characteristic is its enlarged central claw, much like that of giant anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla. Typical of armadillos, Priodontes maximus has a carapace covered with bony scales. The dorsal portion of this carapace appears black/gray, while the ventral portions of the carapace are much lighter and separated by a noticeable band. Underneath the carapace, the naked body appears wrinkly and pinkish. The legs and tail are covered with tough pentagonal scales. The head is conical, with a blunt rostrum. (Eisenberg and Redford, 1999; Emmons, 1997)

The lifespan of these animals can reach 12 to 15 years. (Nowak, 1999)

Priodontes maximus is largely nocturnal and terrestrial. These armadillos forage alone, only assosciating with others to mate. They dig large burrows in which they rest, using their spade-like third claws. These animals are capable of balancing on their hind legs and tail, allowign them to reach high into termite mounds (this technique also comes in handy for warding off predators). Once a mound has been eradicated, an armadillo will bury itself beneath the remains of the mound and reside there for a period up to 24 hours before moving on. It has been said that P. maximus is also a good swimmer. (Emmons, 1997; Nowak, 1999; Parera, 2002)

Home Range

The home range of P. maximus spans 450 hectares minimum, with a maximum of 3 square kilometers. (Parera, 2002)

No information exists suggesting any sort of communication between animals. The strongest sense possessed by armadillos is olfaction, which could support a case for the presence of an olfactory communication channel between individuals. However, this is merely speculation and has yet to be tested.

Tactile communication undoubtedly occurs between a mother and her offspring, as well as between mates. (McBee and Baker, 1982)

Giant armadillos have a very specialized diet consisting of termites and certain ant species. These animals roam throughout their range in search of termite mounds in which to burrow. Once they have found a mount, they completely eradicate it. This species has also been documented eating carrion, worms, and other small vertebrates. (Emmons, 1997; Nowak, 1999; Parera, 2002)

Due to the large size and heavy shielding of these animals, giant armadillos have few natural predators. Unlike other armadillos, P. maximus cannot completely hide itself within its carapace. They occasionally fall prey to jaguars (Panthera onca), and pumas (Puma concolor). Humans, however, have had the deadliest impact on the species. (Nowak, 1999; Parera, 2002)

The most notable ecosystem role played by P. maximus is its control over the termite and ant populations in a small region. By keeping these huge populations in check, the ecosystem can maintain a state of equilibrium, making P. maximus somewhat of a keystone species. Also, due to its fossorial nature, this species aids in soil aeration. (Emmons, 1997; Nowak, 1999; Parera, 2002)

Although giant armadillos can be damaging to crops while digging through soil in search of animal prey, they never directly consume plants. (Emmons, 1997; Parera, 2002)

At one point, before their numbers dwindled, giant armadillos were key in controlling leafcutter ant populations, which could reach enormous sizes and destroy crops. These animals have also been hunted by natives for their meat. (Emmons, 1997)

Priodontes maximus is a victim of habitat infringement and overhunting. Many native farmers kill the armadillo on sight because they are thought to damage crops. (Emmons, 1997; Nowak, 1999; Parera, 2002)