Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804)

Pichi

Species recognized by The Integrated Taxonomic Information System external link, T Orrell (custodian) in 
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT) external link Showing: scientific names

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Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804)

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Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804)
Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804)
Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804)

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Overview

Biology

Source and Additional Information
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ARKive external link
Copyright
Copyright Wildscreen 2003-2008. Some rights reserved external link
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Citation

The pichi is a solitary, diurnal species that shelters in shallow burrows excavated with its muscular limbs and long claws (2) (5). In common with other hairy armadillos, it forages for a wide variety of food including invertebrates, carrion and plant material (2) (4). If confronted by a threat far from its burrow, the usual reaction of the pichi is to draw its limbs under the edges of its armour so that it lies flush with the ground. Alternatively, it will escape to its burrow where it uses the serrated edges of the carapace to anchor itself firmly to the surrounding dirt (2). At least some pichis enter hibernation over winter, a strategy not known in any other armadillo, and one which is probably critical to its survival in the southernmost parts of its range (5). Very little is known about the breeding behaviour of the pichi but one to three young are usually born following a gestation period of 60 days. The young are fully weaned at six weeks and become sexually active after nine months to a year (2) (4).
"Zaedyus pichiy (Desmarest, 1804)". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/328500". Accessed 20 Mar 2010.