While curling into a ball protects these armadillos from natural predators, this defence mechanism is useless against hunters and poachers, who simply pick them up. Unlike other armadillo species, they do not burrow to hide from danger, making them easy prey. Locals capture them for food, and fashion purses and musical instruments out of their shell. Some are kept as pets or exported to international markets. Few survive the journey to their buyers’ homes – most perish from the implorable travel conditions they are subject to. Do your part to protect armadillos by saying no to the illegal trafficking of animals and wildlife products.