Weird animals: 17 of the most bizarre animals on Earth
Pink fairy armadillo
Photograph of a pink fairy armadillo in a sandy environment
The pink fairy armadillo should not be kept as a pet as they die quickly from stress © Alamy
The pink fairy armadillo is like a fuzzy caterpillar crossed with a lobster. It’s the smallest species of armadillo, and at around 13cm in length, it’s small enough to fit in your hand. Living in the sandy plains and dry scrublands of South America, it’s also known as the sand swimmer, thanks to its ability to quickly navigate the subterranean sands. Their unique pink colour comes from blood being pumped into their shell for thermoregulation, which helps them maintain a steady core temperature in the hot, arid climate.
Photograph of a pink fairy armadillo in a sandy environment
The pink fairy armadillo should not be kept as a pet as they die quickly from stress © Alamy
The pink fairy armadillo is like a fuzzy caterpillar crossed with a lobster. It’s the smallest species of armadillo, and at around 13cm in length, it’s small enough to fit in your hand. Living in the sandy plains and dry scrublands of South America, it’s also known as the sand swimmer, thanks to its ability to quickly navigate the subterranean sands. Their unique pink colour comes from blood being pumped into their shell for thermoregulation, which helps them maintain a steady core temperature in the hot, arid climate.
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23 August 2023
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