Large Hairy Armadillo at Tropical World - 02/10/2013

There were a few armadillos in with the douroucoulis, but there were no signs present indicating what species they were. I thought they looked a lot like nine-banded armadillos. If they are, then Tropical World is the only public collection to have them in the UK, besides Amazon World Zoo Park.

Though the photograph quality is too low to be sure, it could well be a Nine-banded armadillo - however it could also be a large hairy armadillo.

I don't suppose you got any photographs showing a side-on view of the head? This would be the best way of determining the genus I feel, as the skull of the nine-banded armadillo looks rather different to other species in Europe.

TeaLovingDave said:

I don't suppose you got any photographs showing a side-on view of the head?

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I don't unfortunately, no.

Thank you for your reply though.

I've left a quick comment on the collection's facebook page asking about the matter; if I don't get a reply this might just be the incentive I have been needing to get down there to see the place for myself

Haha, great stuff. Please let us know if you get a reply.

That's defo 9 banded. Haven't been to Tropical World in a while….will have to take my niece there soon!

why not large hairy armadillo?

lintworm said:

why not large hairy armadillo?

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Because they have kind of squatter, flatter bodies….whereas this little fella definitely has the body shape of a 9 banded.

I'm still not sure at all - keep meaning to visit to see for myself.

It's a 9 banded. Having worked with both types before, the difference is really clear.