Emily Chan
As towns and vineyards take over what was once vast scrubland, the armadillos are unable to dig their burrows. When they hit the basement of a road, they emerge to the surface to find a way to cross it, making them extremely vulnerable to speeding cars.
Compared to other armadillos, the armor of pink fairies is delicate. Instead of serving as a defensive shield, it is more suited for helping them cool down their body temperature.
The position of their hind legs is also meant to give them stability when digging, so they look pretty clumsy when walking above ground.
Additionally, pink fairies can scream when they’re frightened, and their shades of pink vary depending on their body temperature. When it’s cold, they present as a pale pink. When it’s hot, their pink color becomes more intense.
Very little is known about the species, so scientists can’t say for certain whether the pink fairy armadillo is endangered.
Hopefully, with more research focused on the animals, they can learn more about how the armadillos’ needs.
