About
While Nine-Banded Armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are not native to Florida, they are generally believed to have naturalized in the state. Armadillos have become very common and thrive in many habitats, especially in forested or semi-open and urban locations with loose soil that allows for easy digging. Nine-Banded Armadillos can be 15 to 17 inches long, not counting the tail, and typically weigh 6 to 12 pounds. This is the only species of Armadillo found in the United States. They are also one of the few known vertebrates in the world that exhibit obligate polyembryony! This means that since armadillos often give birth to identical quadruplets, these pups all originate from one egg that split into four.
The Threat They Pose
The most problem an armadillo usually causes is digging up yards and gardens. Their presence does not disrupt the ecosystem as much as other invasive species usually do. It is still important to keep your distance, since they can carry leprosy.
How Can I Help?
To learn more about our wildlife and how you can get involved, here are a few Florida-based organizations that focus on protecting wild Florida:
The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation is an organization based in St. Petersburg that is dedicated to permanently protecting, connecting and restoring the wildlife corridor here in Florida. They head many programs that contribute to their mission, such as their many expeditions, which include documentaries.
Conservation Florida is a statewide organization that is dedicated to saving land, protecting Florida and conserving the wildlife corridor. They accept volunteers and donations to protect places we cannot afford to lose!
The Florida Wildlife Federation is a statewide non-profit conservation organization that seeks to safeguard Florida’s wildlife, wild spaces and water. They are committed to “taking action today to prevent irreversible loss tomorrow.” This organization helps to provide ways for Floridians to get involved and have a say in what happens to our state, whether that’s volunteering with them, participating in events, and staying engaged in policies.
Sources – edis.ifas.ufl.edu, nsis.org, trutechinc.com
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