| Endangered Species: Armadillo |
A Christiansburg Elementary Project
Submitted by Jenny of St. Julie Billiart School
Cincinatti, Ohio, U.S.A.
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| Armadillo
Photographer Unknown |
Why Study This Topic?
I wanted to find out how armadillos survive in the
desert with the cactus and deadly predators. I didn't know that much about
armadillos, and just the fact that I was interested in them gave me reason
enough to study armadillos.
What Was Already Known
I already knew that the animal lived in the desert,
but that was about all I knew about it . I also knew that it could roll
up into a tight ball if it needed to protect itself.
Search for Information
I looked in encyclopedias such as Grolier. I used
the Compton's interactive encyclopedia. I couldn't find anything on the
World Wide Web, because the computer I was using was going too slow.
Description of Plant or Animal
The size of an armadillo is about 6 inches to 4 and
1/2 feet. The armadillo is native to Central and South America. It has
a bony covering to protect it from enemies and thorns from the cacti. When
an armadillo is in danger, it can roll up into a tight ball and all that
shows are its plates.
 The armadillo's belly is the only soft
spot on the exterior of the animal. It can weigh as much as 130 lbs. The
armadillo's tongue is small and shaped like a worm. It has little sticky
bumps all over it for catching bugs.
 When the armadillo is pregnant, it can
have 2-12 babies, and the babies are in the same egg and are all of the
same sex.
 The armadillo has very poor eyesight, but it
can use the rest of its senses such as hearing and feeling to protect itself
and find food. Its most powerful sense is the sense of smell.
With its tiny arms, the armadillo is able to bury itself completely in
a matter of minutes. It can also swallow a big gulp of air in the water
and make itself bouyant.
 Some of the armadillo's relatives are the sloth
and the anteater. The armadillo's relatives also eat the same things it
eats such as ants, worms, spiders, and just about any kind of insects.
Habitat Requirements
The armadillo must have water and bugs, yet it dislikes
warm humid weather.
Adaptations
No information provided in this section.
Reasons for Endangerment
People like the armadillo for its skin - the fact
that it is leathery and tough. People use armadillo skin for accsessories
such as purses, luggage, and belts.
Restoration Actions
Laws have been passed to protect the animal and reserves
have been set up.
What Was Learned
I learned a lot about where the armadillo lives, what
kind of things it eats , and why it has become endangered.
Conclusions From Research
I think that reserves should be set up. But not those
ones that take up too much money. People should worry about animals, but
not to the extent that people go broke trying to save an endangered species.
I think that the United States is more concerned about the welfare of the
animals, rather than the good of the American people.
Return to Mammals page.
If you would like to add to these Endangered Species
pages then email your contributions to Christiansburg
Elementary
© copyright 1997
Christiansburg Elementary |
Last updated on March 9, 1998
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