The giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) is the largest extant member of the order Cingulata and belongs to the family Chlamyphoridae. It inhabits the tropical and subtropical lowland forests, savannas, and grasslands of central and eastern South America, with confirmed populations in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia. Adults reach a total length of up to 150 cm, of which 80–100 cm is head‑body, and weigh 30–54 kg, making them comparable in size to a medium dog. Their carapace consists of nine mobile bands covered by a hard dorsal shield, and the animal possesses powerful fore‑claws adapted for excavating termite mounds and burrows. The giant armadillo is primarily nocturnal, solitary, and highly fossorial, spending much of its life underground. Reproductive output is low, with usually a single offspring per year, which contributes to its vulnerability. The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN because of rapid habitat loss, hunting for meat and armor, and road mortality. Conservation measures focus on protecting large tracts of continuous forest, enforcing anti‑poaching laws, and promoting research on its ecology and population trends.

Giant armadillos are solitary foragers that maintain exclusive home ranges that can exceed 30 km² in mature forest. They are chiefly nocturnal, emerging at dusk to hunt for ants and termites, but may also be active during crepuscular periods in cooler weather. Burrowing is a central activity; individuals dig extensive tunnel systems up to 2 m deep, using them for shelter, thermoregulation, and predator avoidance. Territorial boundaries are reinforced by scent marking from anal glands and by the deposition of claw‑scrapes at tunnel entrances. Vocal communication is limited, but short grunts and hisses have been recorded during confrontations. Overlap between neighboring ranges is minimal, and encounters are brief, often resolved by posturing rather than physical aggression.

The giant armadillo is primarily an insectivore, with a diet dominated by ants (especially leaf‑cutter and army ants) and termites, which can constitute up to 70 % of its daily intake. It also consumes beetle larvae, other arthropods, small vertebrates such as lizards, and occasional fruits, tubers, and roots, giving it an opportunistic omnivorous profile. An adult may ingest 2–3 kg of prey per night, equivalent to roughly 3–5 % of its body mass. Foraging relies on powerful fore‑claws that can break open termite mounds and dig through compacted soil; the animal uses its elongated snout and keen sense of smell to locate prey. Water needs are modest, as moisture is obtained from the insects and plant material consumed.

Sexual maturity is reached at 2–3 years for both sexes, although females in optimal habitats may breed earlier. Breeding is not strictly seasonal, but peaks during the rainy months when prey abundance is highest. After a gestation period of approximately 120 days, a single neonate—occasionally a second—is born weighing about 1 kg. The newborn is born with soft, flexible armor that hardens within weeks. The mother provides exclusive care for the first three months, nursing and protecting the young in a shallow burrow. Weaning occurs at around 90 days, after which the juvenile begins independent foraging but may remain near the mother’s range for several months. Longevity of the species is low, and the combination of a single‑offspring litter and long parental investment contributes to its slow population growth.

The IUCN classifies the giant armadillo as Endangered, with an estimated global population of fewer than 10,000 mature individuals and a continuing decline of at least 30 % over the past three generations. Primary threats include extensive deforestation for agriculture, cattle ranching, and mining, which fragment the large, contiguous habitats required for viable home ranges. Illegal hunting for meat and the animal’s thick armor persists in many rural areas, despite legal protections. Road construction and vehicle collisions further reduce survival rates. Climate change may exacerbate habitat loss by altering precipitation patterns that affect termite abundance. Conservation actions focus on expanding protected areas, improving connectivity between forest fragments, enforcing anti‑poaching regulations, and supporting community‑based monitoring programs.

• The giant armadillo can dig a burrow up to 2 m deep in a single night.
• Its carapace has nine movable bands, allowing it to curl into a ball for defense.
• It is the only armadillo species that can break open large termite mounds with its claws.
• Despite its size, it can run up to 30 km/h over short distances.
• Its diet can include up to 30 % of its body weight in insects each day.