Leah Bond

Oceanography

Invasive Species living within IRL

Nine Banded Armadillo

How did they get here?

Originally from Central and South America.

They love the warm weather and live near marshy areas.

Atlantic Coast populated with Nine-Banded Armadillos from human-facilitated activities such as pet trades and escapes from zoo's.

The geographical area in the IRL?

The Indian River Lagoon is divided up into three different areas: Indian, Banana River and Mosquito Lagoon.

Over 2,200 species live here.

Not including the over 2,100 species in plant life.

The Indian River Lagoon has an area of over 156 miles, .5-5 miles long in width and about three feet deep.

The Indian River La

How long have they lived here?

They started showing up in the IRL in the early 1920's and dramatically increased in numbers by the 70's.

Within the IRL they live on the upland and watershed habitats.

In just the state of Florida alone they live in 67 of our counties.

Living Arrangements?

Circular burrows usually 20 feet in length.

Their burrows usually have at least 2 entrances. Sometimes their homes are accompanied by snakes, owls, and frogs.

Environment

Nine Banded armadillos cannot survive harsh winters under 2 degrees Celsius.

They don't have fur or much body fat to help protect against the cold so they bury up to keep warm.

They are active during summer in cool evening hours. During winter they are more active in the mid afternoon.

Advantages against invaders

Their hard outer shell helps them from invaders by providing a shield from attacks or shelter when coiled into a sphere.

They also have a tendency to jump into the air when scared. This surprises the attacker which gives them a chance to escape.

Diet?

Related to the anteater, Nine-Banded armadillos diet mostly consists of insects.

They are predators mostly of large birds such as hawks.

Even humans have hunted them down for their tough armour shell which provided parts for instruments.