Nine-banded armadillos originally from Central and South America were introduced to the Indian River Lagoon region through human activities like pet trades and zoo escapes. They have lived in the IRL since the early 1920s and thrive in the warm climate, making their burrows near marshy areas. The armadillos' hard outer shell helps protect them from other invasive species while their tendency to jump in the air surprises predators, aiding their survival in the Florida region.

1. Leah Bond
Oceanography
Invasive Species living within IRL
Nine Banded Armadillo

2. How did they get here?
Originally from Central 
Atlantic Coast
and South America. populated with Nine-
They love the warm Banded Armadillos
weather and live near from human-facilitated
marshy areas. activities such as pet
trades and escapes
from zoo's.

3. The geographical area in the IRL?

The Indian River 
Over 2,200 species
Lagoon is divided up live here.
into three different 
Not including the over
areas: Indian, Banana 2,100 species in plant
River and Mosquito life.
Lagoon.

The Indian River Lagoon has an area of over 156
miles, .5-5 miles long in width and about three
feet deep.

4. How long have they lived here?

They started showing

Within the IRL they
up in the IRL in the live on the upland and
early 1920's and watershed habitats.
dramatically increased
in numbers by the
70's.

In just the state of Florida alone they live in 67 of
our counties.

5. Living Arrangements?

Circular burrows 
Their burrows usually
usually 20 feet in have at least 2
length. entrances. Sometimes
their homes are
accompanied by
snakes, owls, and
frogs.

6. Environment

Nine Banded

They don't have fur or
armadillos cannot much body fat to help
survive harsh winters protect against the
under 2 degrees cold so they bury up to
Celsius. keep warm.

They are active during summer in cool evening
hours. During winter they are more active in the
mid afternoon.

7. Advantages against invaders

Their hard outer shell 
They also have a
helps them from tendency to jump into
invaders by providing the air when scared.
a shield from attacks This surprises the
or shelter when coiled attacker which gives
into a sphere. them a chance to
escape.

8. Diet?

Related to the 
They are predators
anteater, Nine-Banded mostly of large birds
armadillos diet mostly such as hawks.
consists of insects. 
Even humans have
hunted them down for
their tough armour
shell which provided
parts for instruments.