Random Things Most People Don't Know About Pink Fairy Armadillos (10 items)

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  (#7) They're Solitary, But Polygamous

  While not much research exists regarding the mating habits of pink fairy armadillos, we are sure about a couple of things. While the pink fairy armadillos are a generally solitary species, they tend to practice polygamy. Also, the females give birth to only one baby at a time. 
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  (#8) They Might Be Endangered

  The pink fairy armadillo is a relatively rare animal. For this reason, they were on the near-threatened category on the IUCN Red List. In 2008, researchers reclassified it as "Data Deficient." This status change doesn't mean they aren't endangered, though; scientists haven't learned enough about them for a conclusive statement.

  Despite numerous threats to these armadillos' survival, including habitat destruction and predators, efforts at conservation are only minimally effective. This is because pink fairy armadillos are prone to stress - thus, they survive poorly in captivity. More successful conservation efforts involve protecting their natural habitats.
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  (#10) They're Sold On The Black Market As Pets

  The pink fairy armadillo isn't a good pet. Most die within a few hours or days after their capture. Despite the animal's failure to thrive in captivity, some continue to sell pink fairy armadillos on the black market.
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  (#4) Their Tails Function As A Fifth Limb

  When the pink fairy armadillo becomes engrossed in digging with its limbs, it can employ its tail. The club-shaped tail functions as a fifth limb, helping the armadillo balance. It also has a "butt plate" next to its tail, which can compact the dirt behind it as it moves forward, thus keeping debris out of its face, allowing it to breathe and explore freely. 
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  (#5) Getting Wet Can Pose A Serious Danger To Them

  If you want to see pink fairy armadillos emerge from their burrows, wait until the next time it rains. These delicate creatures avoid getting wet - so if it starts raining, they will leave their flooded burrows as fast as possible. Why is getting wet such a huge problem? Pink fairy armadillos, like most species of armadillo, are notoriously inept at thermoregulation. Excessive moisture can easily mess up their internal thermostat.

  Besides making it easier for them to freeze to death, long-term exposure to humidity can cause skin disease. The same thing happens to a similar species of armadillo, the pichi.
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  (#2) They're 'Sand Swimmers'

  The pink fairy armadillo has two huge sets of claws, so they can easily create burrows in compacted soil. Its skill at digging earned it the nickname "sand swimmer." While the claws are useful for digging, their large size relative to the rest of the armadillo's body makes walking on hard surfaces difficult.

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