The most omnivorous and hardy of the armadillos of Iberá, known as gualacate or tatú poyú. Its flattened, broad, brownish-yellow shell has long but sparse bristles poking out between the joints of the bands. Its broad head carries a flat cephalic shield and clearly visible ears. It is the most diurnal of the Corrientes armadillos and notably bold: it roams around campsite fires unperturbed by human presence in search of food scraps, and it is the only armadillo that bites if disturbed. Total length: 55 to 72 cm. Weight: 3 to 7 kg.
Behaviour
An opportunistic omnivore and markedly scavenging: it eats insects, snails, rodents, small lizards, eggs, fruit and roots, and digs beneath the remains of dead animals to look for larvae. Both diurnal and nocturnal habits depending on the season. A classic character of the nights at the park campsites, where it can be heard scratching the ground around the tents with total confidence.
How and when to see it
Year round. Extremely common and tame in the public-use areas of Portal Laguna Iberá. Also frequent prowling the camping areas of Portal Carambola. Heard before it is seen.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where six-banded armadillo has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where six-banded armadillo lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5 - Salvaje Iberá
Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5 - Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5 - Reserva Natural Don Luis
Reserva natural privada en Portal Cambyretá, gestionada por la Fundación Cambyretá…★ 5
Species profile
- Common nameSix-banded Armadillo
- Scientific nameEuphractus sexcinctus
- GroupMammal
- StatusNative
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