The giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) is an extremely rare species, the largest armadillo on the planet, often referred to as a living dinosaur. What is known about it is extremely fragmented because it is very difficult to study due of its low population densities, combined with nocturnal and fossorial habits. No systematic population studies had been undertaken in Argentina until Yamil Di Blanco started the project.
The Giant Armadillo Project is led by Dr. Yamil Di Blanco, one of the most experienced wildlife management researchers currently active in Argentina. In the past, he has worked with other emblematic species like the Jaguar and the Giant Anteater, among others. Yamil is dedicated to learning more about this beautiful being that still inhabits our world, in an effort to protect its habitat through conservation corridors across its range. The ultimate goal is to try to prevent its extinction, a fate to which it is sadly headed, mainly because of habitat loss to the logging industry.
On July 13, 2024, a historic milestone was reached for the global conservation of the Giant Armadillo. A team of professionals, led by Dr. Yamil Di Blanco successfully captured the first male in Argentina’s history. This was the fourth individual ever captured, with the first three being females. WAW had the privilege of participating in the capture.
The capture took place in the province of Chaco, in an area surrounding Copo National Park and Loro Hablador Provincial Park, with the participation of officials from both protected areas. Veterinarian Juan Pablo Arrabal (@juanpabloarrabal), a member of the Giant Armadillo Project and the Jaguar Project, also took part in the successful campaign.
The purpose of the capture was to attach a tracking device to monitor the animal’s movements and understand its habitat requirements. Additionally, blood and tissue samples were collected for studies that will provide valuable information about this species, which remains largely unknown. The ultimate goal is to develop conservation strategies, as the species is unfortunately endangered. The animal was named Atilio in honor of a local resident who actively contributes to the conservation of the area.
The Tatú Carreta project is particularly important because it is positioning the Giant Armadillo where it belongs as a symbol of the wild being ravaged in the northern region of Argentina, specifically the Chaco region, which is one of the most endangered habitats in the world, and a crucial spot in the corridor used by other emblematic species such as the extraordinary Jaguar (Panthera onca).
On one of our visits, we managed to capture drone footage of an illegal logging operation which was used later included as evidence in a federal lawsuit against the local logging mafia.
Learn more about their work by visiting their site and their social media.
We Are Wildlife helps threatened wildlife as well as underfunded conservation projects, especially those in Earth’s most resource-challenged regions.
