Extinct Animal : Giant Armadillo

This armoured mammal was once widespread in the tropical forests east of the Andes, from Venezuela to Argentina. The largest of the armadillos, the giant armadillo can grow up to 1.5 m in length and weigh up to 55 kg. They feed on ants, termites and the occasional snake.

The giant armadillo seems to have become scarce everywhere within its range because of overhunting, the expansion of settlement, and the corresponding loss of its forest habitat.