Species · GBIF taxon 5220098
Pink Fairy Armadillo
Chlamyphorus truncatusAlso known as Pichiciego, Lesser Pichiciego, Pink Armadillo
Pink fairy armadillos are the smallest armadillo species in the world, instantly recognizable by their pale pink dorsal shell which is uniquely attached to the spine by a thin membrane. These elusive, desert-dwelling mammals spend almost their entire lives underground, swimming through loose sand with oversized claws. Their rear end is capped by a flat, vertical plate used to compact soil behind them as they burrow.
NocturnalBurrowingElusive
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Data DeficientConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXData Deficient — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ants
- Termites
- Plant roots
Predators
- Domestic dogs
- Domestic cats
- Raptors
ThreatsHabitat destruction from agriculture, domestic dog predation, and illegal pet trade
HabitatsSandy plains, dunes, and dry shrubby grasslands
Life spanUnknown in the wild, rarely surviving more than a few days in captivity
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDasypodidae
- SpeciesChlamyphorus truncatus
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a tiny, pinkish, furry body under 15 centimeters long with a pale pink shell.
- Support conservation
- Never touch or dig up an individual, and keep domestic pets far away from their sandy habitats.
Responsible observation
- Leave them wild: Never attempt to capture or handle these animals, as stress causes rapid heart failure.
- Report sightings: Document any rare encounters with local conservation groups to help map their range.
- Protect habitats: Keep domestic dogs on leashes in sandy scrublands to prevent fatal encounters.
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Distant Relative "Nine-banded Armadillo" by leppyone is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Co-occurring Relative "Screaming Hairy Armadillo" by tr.robinson is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
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