Andean hairy armadillo  (Chaetophractus nationi)

Armadillos are one of the oldest groups of mammals. Once thought to be closely related to turtles because of their tough protective carapaces, zoologists now classify them in the mammalian order Cingulata. Their closest relatives are anteaters and sloths (4). The entire upperside of the body is armoured with bony plates (scutes) that form in the dermis of the skin, and which are covered with small scales. Armadillos are the only living mammals in which bone formation occurs outside the “traditional” skeleton (5). The armouring extends to the top of the head, which bears dark plates like a helmet, and to the thin tail. Unlike other armadillos, members of the Chaetophractus genus have light brown hair between the chinks of the armoured scales, as well as on its legs and underside (2). These animals are well adapted for digging and foraging in the undergrowth and have short legs, long powerful claws, and pointed snouts (2).