Mammals
Pichi
Zaedyus pichiy · also called dwarf armadillo
Slowing its body down completely to survive the coldest Patagonian winters, a pichi is the only armadillo species known to hibernate, ranging further south into cold, arid steppe than any of its warmer-climate relatives.
Overview
The pichi, Zaedyus pichiy, is a Near Threatened mammal native to grassland and desert habitat across the cold, arid steppe of Patagonia. Its unique hibernating ability, its status as the southernmost-ranging armadillo species, and its small size among armadillo relatives make it one of the more physiologically remarkable mammals found anywhere in South America.
An armadillo built for the cold
While most armadillo species are creatures of warm tropical and subtropical climates, the pichi instead pushes the family further south than any other member, surviving Patagonia’s harshest winters through a hibernation strategy unmatched by any other armadillo.
Status
Near Threatened, with populations remaining widespread across the Patagonian steppe but declining in parts of its range due to hunting and habitat conversion for agriculture.
Pichi: common questions
Why is the pichi unusual among armadillos?
This species is the only armadillo species known to hibernate, surviving cold Patagonian winters by dramatically slowing its metabolism underground until warmer weather returns.
How far south does the pichi range?
This species ranges further south than any other armadillo species, tolerating colder conditions than any of its warmer-climate relatives found further north in South America.
How big is the pichi compared with other armadillos?
This species is one of the smallest armadillo species, considerably smaller than better-known relatives such as the nine-banded armadillo found across a much wider range.
What threatens the pichi?
This species faces ongoing threats from hunting for its meat and shell, along with habitat conversion for agriculture across parts of its Patagonian range.