![]() The lifespan of the nine-banded armadillo varies greatly, depending on its location and circumstances. They then leave the burrow and start to forage with the mother, usually up until the age of six months to one year. Nine-banded armadillos stay with their mother, living off her milk for three months after being born. The hard armor’ helps to protect these animals from predators like wolves, black bears, cougars, and alligators. This leaves them extremely vulnerable to predators. At birth, the exterior of the offspring is still soft – only to start hardening as they get older. The young are able to start walking only a few hours after birth and are born with their eyes open. ![]() About four months after the embryo is implanted, the female gives birth – almost always to four identical quadruplets, all of the same sex. The nine-banded armadillo’s mating season takes place during two to three months during the summer. Even so, if temperatures drop too low, the armadillo will not survive. However, the nine-banded armadillo has adapted its behavior according to the weather of different seasons, so that it is more active during the warmer part of the day. In addition, with so little fur, it is especially sensitive to temperature. Like other xenarthrans, nine-banded armadillos have low body temperatures of ☙3 F. This armadillo thrives in areas with soft soil that it can burrow into, and can be located in bottomland hardwood forests (or river swamps), scrub and areas covered with brush growth. The nine-banded armadillo’s habitat can usually be found near water sources including streams and water holes it has even been known to have more than one burrow. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |