Chemical immobilization of three-banded armadillos (Tolypeutes matacus) involves special considerations because this species has a number of unique anatomical, physiological and metabolic traits. To date, little has been reported about anesthesia of free-ranging T. matacus. Two anesthetic protocols were evaluated and compared in free-ranging three-banded armadillos in northwestern Argentina. During November 2003 and August 2004 thirty three-banded armadillos were captured in the surroundings of Amamá (Santiago del Estero, Argentina) and immobilized to collect biological samples. The armadillos were divided into two groups, each immobilized with another anesthetic protocol: Zelazol® (tiletamine and zolazepam) or xylazine — ketamine, which was reverted with yohimbin. There were no significant differences between protocols regarding the time when effects began and the time of final recovery. However, initial recovery time, muscular relaxation, and presence of hypothermia exhibited significant variations between protocols.

For over 150 years the nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus, has been expanding its range into the southern United States. Previous studies have suggested an average expansion rate of 7.8 km/year, with the fastest expansion rates in the Gulf Coast of Florida at 17.2 km/year and the southern Great Plains at a rate of 11 km/year. Beginning in July 2007, we collected 11 road-killed specimens of D. novemcinctus from southeast Tennessee; one from Hamilton County, one from Rutherford County, three from Marion County, and six from Franklin County. These records represent an extension of approximately 325 km to the east and 375 km to the north of previously published range limits. The new records imply an expansion rate in far excess of previous maximum estimates. The six Franklin County specimens were collected atop the Cumberland Plateau at elevations of 446, 462, 570, 583 (two specimens), and 606 m asl. These elevation records suggest further northward and eastward expansion of the species is likely. The ecological implications of this increased rate of geographic expansion are discussed.

The distribution and ecology of the pink fairy armadillo Chlamyphorus truncatus, the world's smallest armadillo, are poorly understood due largely to the strictly subterranean habits of this species. We compiled records from the literature, museum and private collections, information from rural people, and researchers to update the species' current distribution and conservation threats. Recent records suggest that populations of C. truncatus persist in localities along most of the species' historical range, including at least 12 sites with recurrent pink fairy armadillo records. We added new registers outside the historical distribution; south of Mendoza province, north of Río Negro province and south of Buenos Aires province, effectively extending the species range. The rate at which new records are accrued has increased, arguably reflecting a greater interest in the species and greater presence of field workers in the species range. The conservation of the pink fairy armadillo depends on the maintenance of the arid and semiarid habitats where this species occurs, with commercial agriculture, pesticides, extensive livestock farming, and prédation by domestic dogs and cats, posing the threats of greatest concern.

Nine captive, clinically healthy two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) of both genders and different ages were anesthetized at the Zoological Park of Huachipa in Peru. The anesthetic cocktail administered was composed of ketamine (2.67±0.25 mg/kg), dexmedetomidine (12±4 µg/kg) and midazolam (0.1 mg/kg), mixed in the same syringe and applied via intramuscular injection (IM). Ten minutes after initial injection, cardiac frequency, oxygen saturation, non-invasive arterial blood pressure, respiratory frequency, and rectal temperature were monitored every 10 minutes. The following parameters related to anesthetic quality were also assessed: induction time, effective period of the anesthesia, recovery time, muscle relaxation score, presence or absence of salivation, and protection reflexes. After 50 minutes of anesthesia, dexmedetomidine was reverted with atipamezole (0.22±0.05 mg/kg), administered IM. A rapid time of induction of 6±3 min was observed along with an effective period of anesthesia of 50 minutes. Recovery was rapid and without excitement. Recovery time started 8±4 min after administration of atipamezole, and total recovery was achieved at 10±4 min. A good muscle relaxation, maintenance of defense reflexes, and no salivation were observed. No significant alterations of vital functions and no significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in relation to time of monitoring, gender or age were observed. Based on the results, this protocol could be considered as an excellent choice for pharmacological contention of two-toed sloths.

The Andean hairy armadillo is one of the least studied mammals, both locally and globally, although it faces many threats such as habitat disturbance and its use for traditional purposes in Bolivia. Within the range of the Andean hairy armadillo, farmers state that the species enters their fields in search for food, causing significant losses. The present study evaluated the habitat use intensity of Andean hairy armadillos in three habitat types near three human settlements in Sur Carangas province, Oruro, Bolivia. Fieldwork revealed that crop areas were used by armadillos while searching for food, while sand dunes were vital to their survival because they built their burrows and foraged in this habitat type. The least use intensity was observed in Pampas habitat. This study also showed the need to consider local conditions when carrying out research and conservation initiatives about Andean hairy armadillos. Further studies are needed to determine the real impact of armadillos on crops, to mitigate the damage that this species can cause, and, eventually, ensure its long-term conservation.

To assess some of the habitat characteristics that are important for the survival of two- and three-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni and Bradypus variegatus), a floristic characterization was done in two fragments of the tropical dry forest in Arboletes, Antioquia, Colombia. The study was performed during the dry season of February – March 2007 in an area intervened by cattle farming activity An index of population abundance of each species was calculated using a method of simple transects. The study about habitat use and preference took into account the following parameters: height, diameter at chest height, exposition of the canopy to the sun, abundance of lianas, and proportions of use and availability of the used plant species. Both species of sloths were more abundant in the forest fragment called El Refugio (1.66 and 0.83 individuals/km, respectively) than in the forest fragment La Quebrada (0.62 and 0.2 individuals/km, respectively). Both species of sloths showed preference for Brownea ariza exceeding its proportional availability in both assessed fragments. This arboreal species does not lose leaves in the dry season and offers food supply, refuge, and protection. The architecture of the tree facilitates displacement. All these characteristics make this floristic resource important for the abundance of sloths in the study area and study period.

The maintenance of silky anteaters (Cyclopes didactyius) in zoos is very difficult; to date, the longevity record was held by an individual that survived two years and four months at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago. Between March 2005 and March 2010, the Huachipa Zoo in Peru received a total of six wild-born, seized individuals (2 males, 4 females). Two of them arrived pregnant and gave birth at the zoo (1 male, 1 female). Twenty-five diets were tested, and management protocols were standardized for different age classes. Weight changes, morphometric and behavioral data were recorded. On average, silky anteaters survived two years in captivity. The maximum longevity of five years and seven months was recorded in a female that is still alive at the time of writing. Careful control of all factors that may affect their life (diet, environment, management, health, among others) and a continuous assessment on the animals' physical conditions are considered key factors for the survival of silky anteaters in captive conditions. This article provides information that will help managing captive C. didactyius; however, each institution should adjust this information according to its needs and realities.

The first specimens of southern naked-tailed armadillo Cabassous unicinctus squamicaudis from Paraguay are documented, extending the known distribution of the species approximately 270 km south-southwestward in the cerrado eco-region. This is the 12^th species of armadillo documented as present in Paraguay. Paraguay is the only country with three representatives of the genus Cabassous occurring within its borders.

Tamandua mexicana is a poorly studied species in Mexico. Its current distribution in western Mexico is unknown. In this paper we present new records of T. mexicana for Michoacán and Colima states, contributing to the knowledge of the distribution and ecology of the species. The new records increase the range of T. mexicana in the northeast of Michoacán state.

Anteaters (Myrmecophagidae and Cyclopedidae) are known to be specialist predators of ants and termites. Many types of fruits are included in the diets of captive anteaters, even though fruit-eating in the wild has only rarely been reported. During a 2008–2010 telemetry study of northern tamanduas (Tamandua mexicana) on Barro Colorado Island, Panamá, several individuals were witnessed consuming ripe fruits of the palm tree Attalea butyracea. I propose that northern tamanduas regularly seek out fruit as a supplement to their insect diet. Attalea butyracea fruit is seasonally abundant throughout Central America and can provide low-cost enrichment for captive tamanduas.