Updated distribution of the pink fairy armadillo Chlamyphorus truncatus (Xenarthra, Dasypodidae), the world’s smallest armadillo

BORGHI C.E; CAMPOS M. CLAUDIA; GIANNONI STELLA M.; CAMPOS VALERIA E.; CLAUDIO SILLERO-ZUBIRI

EDENTATA

IUCN/SSC Anteater, Sloth and Armadillo Specialist Group

Año: 2011 vol. 12 p. 14 - 19

1413-4411

The distribution and ecology of the pink fairy armadillo Chlamyphorus truncatus, the world’s smallest armadillo, are poorly understood due largely to the strictly subterranean habits of this species. We compiled records from the literature, museum and private collections, information from rural people, and researchers to update the species’ current distribution and conservation threats. Recent records suggest that populations of C. truncatus persist in localities along most of the species’ historical range, including at least 12 sites with recurrent pink fairy armadillo records. We added new registers outside the historical distribution; south of Mendoza province, north of Río Negro province and south of Buenos Aires province, effectively extending the species range. The rate at which new records are accrued has increased, arguably reflecting a greater interest in the species and greater presence of field workers in the species range. The con- servation of the pink fairy armadillo depends on the maintenance of the arid and semiarid habitats where this species occurs, with commercial agriculture, pesticides, extensive livestock farming, and predation by domestic dogs and cats, posing the threats of greatest concern.