Cabassous is a genus of armadillo native to South America. The word is spelled phonemically as /kəˈbæs əs/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable /kə/ starts with a neutral vowel sound, while the second syllable /bæs/ has a short "a" sound. The final syllable /əs/ uses a neutral vowel sound and an "s" sound. The spelling of Cabassous is derived from the Latin word "cabassus" which means "a wooden helmet for protection."
Cabassous is a taxonomic genus of armored mammals belonging to the family Dasypodidae. These creatures are commonly known as naked-tailed armadillos. The genus consists of three recognized species, namely Cabassous centralis, Cabassous unicinctus, and Cabassous tatouay.
Naked-tailed armadillos are characterized by their unique physical features. They possess a robust body covered in bony armor composed of plates called osteoderms. Their stout limbs and strong claws enable them to dig efficiently, creating burrows where they sleep and seek refuge from predators. One of the distinctive traits of these armadillos is their pink, hairless tail, which stands out compared to other armadillo species.
These mammals inhabit various regions throughout Central and South America, including countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. They primarily occupy grasslands, savannas, and tropical forests, where they feed on a diet consisting mainly of insects, small vertebrates, plant matter, and carrion.
Naked-tailed armadillos are primarily solitary creatures, only congregating during mating season. Females typically give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of approximately four months. The young armadillos stay with their mothers for a while before gradually becoming independent.
Due to habitat destruction and hunting, some species within the Cabassous genus face threats to their population numbers. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these intriguing creatures and ensure their survival in the wild.
The word "cabassous" has its etymology derived from the Latin word "cabassus", which referred to a large kind of wild hog or boar. This Latin term was further derived from the Classical Greek word "kápṓ" (κάπω), meaning "to suckle", as boars were associated with nursing sows. Over time, the word evolved and was eventually applied to the armadillo genus known as Cabassous, which includes various species of armadillos found in Central and South America.