Ecological Life History of the Armadillo in the Eastern Edwards Plateau Region

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Abstract
Dasypus novemcinctus were intensively observed for more than 2 yrs. and their behaviorisms are here reported. Their integumentary adaptations are well correlated with preferred environment. They evidently require free water or succulent animal food for survival. 11 individuals were marked with large, bright yellow, lacquered numerals and their movements followed from day to day. Observations at night indicate that their activity is arrested or lessened in moonlight. Observed home ranges varied from 0.69 to 11.94 acres. Armadillo dens excavated showed little uniformity of construction, but were almost invariably protected above by a stone, stump, or large tree roots. Burrows and nests contained at least 31 spp. of invertebrates. A cottontail rabbit was the only vertebrate occupant of the excavated burrows. Feeding periods are initiated earlier and prolonged when populations are suffering from drought conditions. Severe and prolonged aridity evidently has a critical limiting influence on armadillo populations.

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