Armadillos of the Eastern Plains of Colombia

Abstract

The book is structured in 11 lavishly illustrated chapters, with excellent photographs, that present biological aspects of armadillos, including their evolutionary history as part of the ancient Xenarthra group, unique to the Americas. Their ecological importance is then highlighted, highlighting their role as ecosystem engineers and even as a food source for human communities in the Eastern Plains. The book then delves into the importance of armadillos, detailing their ecological functions, as soil aerators and their important role in pest control, as well as their cultural significance in the Orinoquia region, reflected in local traditions and art. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the secret life of armadillos, covering their species diversity, physical characteristics, behaviors such as burrowing and swimming, as well as their reproductive biology. Furthermore, the book examines how armadillos are studied through scientific research and how community monitoring initiatives are carried out.