Ep 15. Hotel Armadillo

In season 35, episode 15 of Nature titled "Hotel Armadillo," the show takes a deep dive into the secret life of one of nature's shyest creatures - the armadillo. Brazil's Pantanal region is home to a rare species of armadillo, known as the giant armadillo, which is the largest species of armadillo in the world. However, these elusive creatures are rarely seen by human eyes, as they spend most of their lives underground in intricate burrow systems.

The episode begins with a team of biologists, led by ecologist Arnaud Desbiez, on a mission to study the elusive giant armadillo in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil. Using camera traps and radio-telemetry, the team sets out to find and study the behavior and ecology of this shy and rarely encountered species.

Desbiez and his team have been studying giant armadillos for over a decade, and their efforts are finally paying off. They have discovered that these interesting creatures are critical to the health and diversity of the Pantanal ecosystem, as they create a unique habitat for a variety of other animals to live in.

The team's research reveals fascinating insights into the lives of giant armadillos. They find that these creatures spend up to 80 percent of their lives underground in a complex network of burrows, which they dig with their powerful front claws. The burrows, which can be up to 20 feet long and six feet deep, provide a safe haven for not just the armadillos, but also for other animals such as tortoises, skunks, and snakes.

The show also explores the interesting social behavior of the giant armadillos. The biologists observe a mother armadillo and her baby living together in a burrow, and they find that the baby is learning important skills from its mother, such as how to dig and search for food. The team also observes a group of adult armadillos living together in a burrow system, which suggests that the creatures may live in family groups.

Aside from the fascinating behavior of the giant armadillo, the show also highlights the various threats facing this species. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and agriculture are the primary threats, as they limit the amount of suitable habitat available for the armadillos. Additionally, the creatures are hunted for their meat and for their hard shell, which is used as a musical instrument in some cultures.

The biologists and conservationists working to study and protect the giant armadillo hope that increased awareness of the species will lead to greater protection measures. The show ends with a call to action for viewers to get involved in conservation efforts and to support organizations working to protect this unique and important species.

In summary, "Hotel Armadillo" is an intriguing and informative episode of Nature that shines a light on an often-overlooked species and reveals fascinating insights into their behavior and ecology. The show's combination of stunning cinematography and informative narration makes for an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience.