Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Informal Program Previously a DERP under 2009 RCP Studbook kept by Amanda (Hall) Ott of the Scovill Zoo. Wild caught animals are available. Fifth most commonly held species under PAX TAG umbrella Have been kept in zoos since late 1800s. Nuisance / invasive species in much of its current range

Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) Captive population has ballooned from 16 in 2007 to over 50 in 2014 due to the acquisition of wild-born individuals. In spite of prevailing assumptions, acclimation to captivity has not been problematic. Good potential for use in interpretive programs. Would alleviate some demand for other armadillo species being used in education.

Nine-banded armadillo potential educational storylines State Mammal of Texas and only xenarthran native to North America. Undergoing a phenomenal range expansion. Gives birth to identical quadruplets. Delayed implantation. Only non-primate to carry leprosy.

The nine-banded armadillo (coming soon to a state near you)

Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) Implantation of the fertilized egg is normally delayed in nine-banded armadillos for 14 weeks

Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) This female gave birth after having been housed in captivity (without a male) for 17 months.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) Anecdotal reports state that in some cases implantation has been delayed for as long as three years

Leprosy in “armadillos” New England Journal of Medicine report –Truman, et al: Probable Zoonotic Leprosy in the Southern United States Demonstrates link between armadillo-borne and human-contracted leprosy –Wild armadillos and many patients with leprosy in the southern United States are infected with the same strain of Mycobacterium leprae. NY Times, Time Magazine and CNN.com all carried the story Concerns were posted to AZA’s curator’s and public relations listserves.

Leprosy in “armadillos” "Leprosy is a rare disease and will remain a rare disease." “The important thing is that people should be discouraged from consuming armadillo flesh or handling it.” the chances of contracting leprosy from armadillos are literally "one in a million" for people living in that part of the country wherein the highest incidence of leprosy in armadillos ( %) has been recorded. --- Richard Truman, author of the study

Leprosy in “armadillos” 95% of humans are immune to leprosy. Very rare in the US, currently numbering about 150 cases yearly. By comparison, the average American is: –six times more likely to be struck by lightning, –nine times as likely to contract West Nile Virus and –fifteen times as likely to contract Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Other than primates, only the nine-banded armadillo is known to harbor Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy. Nine-banded armadillos will succumb to the disease and tend to do so more quickly than symptoms will develop in humans. Leprosy is easily treated in humans.

Nonetheless… Apprehension about leprosy is a cultural artifact and will persist. Captive-reared nine-banded armadillos will be perceived of as “clean.” Zoos will always prefer using captive-born animals over wild-caught ones in programs. Little effort has been made to breed the species in the past.

Conclusions The PAX TAG maintains a formal studbook program for Nine-banded Armadillos. Breeding is encouraged. Until breeding becomes commonplace, the species will not be recommended as an SSP. Having the studbook data collected in advance will keep the TAG ahead of any potential statistical needs in the future.