Of the several armadillo genera, only Tolypeutes rely heavily on their armor for protection.

When threatened by a predator, Tolypeutes species frequently roll up into a ball.

This species is endangered due to hunting and deforestation of its native Brazilian habitat.

They lack the ability to dig burrows like their competitors, instead relying on abandoned ones.

Deforestation is a critical concern because it reduces available burrows, leaving them exposed to predators and human activity.