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Zoo supports “Zoo Animal of the Year 2024” – Southern Three-banded Armadillo new addition to the collection
The Darmstadt Zoo Vivarium is participating in the nationwide species conservation campaign "Zoo Animal of the Year" by the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). This year's focus is on the armadillo, whose habitats are increasingly threatened. A southern three-banded armadillo can now also be seen at the Vivarium – together with the silvery monkeys in the Dr. Maria Börsig House.
Armadillos have existed for around 60 million years. These ancient mammals originally come from Central and South America . With a total of 23 species , they belong to a diverse group of animals: some are barely 15 centimeters long, while others reach a body length of more than one meter. Thanks to their flexible shell made of interconnected bony plates, some species can roll themselves into a ball when threatened.
Lifestyle and threat
Armadillos are primarily nocturnal insectivores , many of them living underground . They are considered ecosystem engineers – through their burrowing activity they loosen the soil, promote aeration and create habitats for over 30 other species such as ocelots, lowland tapirs or tamanduas.
Despite their important role in the ecosystem, many armadillo species are threatened. Reasons for this include:
- Destruction of habitats through agriculture (soybean, rice and palm oil plantations)
- Food loss due to pesticide use
- Hunting and poaching for their meat
- Dangers from road traffic and pets
Many species are also difficult to study because they live in hiding. Therefore, some threat levels could not yet be definitively included IUCN Red List
Zoo Vivarium aims to raise awareness
By participating in the campaign, the Vivarium Zoo aims not only to contribute to the conservation of this special group of animals, but also to promote awareness and environmental education . The southern three-banded armadillo , currently on display at the zoo, offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about this endangered species – right there on site.
Further information about the “Zoo Animal of the Year” campaign can be found on the official website of ZGAP – Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations .
