GIANT ARMADILLO
The Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus), is a poorly known endangered species widely distributed in various South American habitats. Giant armadillos are listed as ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’ by the IUCN, are rare throughout their range, and have experienced local extinctions in Uruguay and elsewhere. While habitat destruction, poisoning, and hunting pose major threats to remaining populations, much about this species remains unknown.
Leading the effort to learn more about this elusive species in Brazil is Arnaud Desbiez and his Giant Armadillo Conservation Project (GACP) field team. Desbiez and his team established the first long-term ecological study of giant armadillos in the Brazilian Pantanal, and have promoted the conservation of this little-known species through education, outreach activities, and media campaigns. Building upon previous success, the Giant Armadillo Conservation Project will expand research activities into Brazil’s threatened Cerrado biome, a biodiversity hotspot recently targeted for the creation of protected areas.
ZCOG supports this long-term research and conservation initiative through grantwriting, fundraising, and serving as the program's North American financial management and logistical agency.
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Photos courtesy of Kevin Schaffer and the Giant Armadillo Conservation Project
YOU CAN HELP SAVE THE GIANT ARMADILLO!
FEATURED VIDEO
FROM THE FIELD
Click on the below-listed links to learn more about the Giant Armadillo Conservation Project.
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Field video: 'Isabel' the Giant Armadillo at night
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Field video: Giant Armadillo baby emerging from den
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Field video: 'Guilherme' the Giant Armadillo
HOW TO HELP
Support is needed to protect the Andean bear and its habitat, and you can help make a difference!
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DONATE NOW. Your contribution will be used to help purchase camera traps, GPS transmitters and field equipment needed to expand Giant Armadillo research and conservation activities into the Brazilian Cerrado.
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Encourage your zoo to dedicate a Quarters for Conservation kiosk to raise funds for the Giant Armadillo Conservation Project. CLICK HERE to learn how facilities like the Greenville Zoo are already contributing to ZCOG conservation programs in this manner. Click the link for a photo of the Greenville Zoo's 2013-2014 Q4C program.
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Raise funds for Giant Armadillo conservation by shopping at Amazon.com
Simpy use the ZCOG link to access the AmazonSmile program and a portion of your purchase will be donated to help promote Giant Armadillo conservation. It's easy, it's free and it helps protect Giant Armadillos and their habitat!
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BECOME A PROGRAM SUPPORTER and receive field updates from Arnaud Desbiez and his team and an opportunity to visit the Baia das Pedras research site.
SUPPORTERS
PROGRAM PARTNER
Giant Armadillo Conservation Project
Visit our partner's website:
www.giantarmadillo.org.br