Andean hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus nationi)

My first and only sighting the this species, and I was in luck as this species is hunted to such an extent that it’s now red listed as vulnerable by IUCN.

How much so became clear as my driver ran up to the animal and looked at it more as a food item than an animal that should be left alone.

As it dug itself down under the shrub, he wanted to take it up and possibly bring it as part of dinner! My guide later explained that this is a very tasteful animal. Very unfortunate for the Armadillo!


Digging fast to hopefully elude the humans!

Altitude: 4047 metres.

-21.696944,-67.498889

Last updated on 12 January 2022