7/16/2023 0 Comments Screaming hairy armadilloVisitors can also see and learn about the extant relatives of the glyptodons at the Small Mammal House, including the screaming hairy armadillo and three-banded armadillo. Although we aren’t focused on bringing back prehistoric species, the Smithsonian has had notable success stories on saving “extinct in the wild” animals like the black-footed ferret. The Zoo instills a lifelong commitment to conservation through engaging experiences with animals and the people working to save them. Smithsonian scientists use ancient DNA to study evolutionary genetics and wildlife disease. Always free of charge, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo is one of Washington D.C.’s, and the Smithsonian’s, most popular tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors from all over the world each year. Happy April Fool's! While the above story isn’t true, it is true that our Center for Conservation Genomics does research involving ancient DNA. “Those are relatives of the Andean bears we have today, so it wouldn’t be impossible to bring them back, too.”Īlthough the pups were born at the Zoo, they will not be on exhibit any time soon. “Thankfully, one of the glyptodon’s primary predators appears to be Arctotherium, or the prehistoric short-faced bears,” Fleischer said. However, if reintroduction is successful, the giant herbivores could create ecological challenges without a predator to keep the population stable. They hope to eventually re-introduce the species into its native forest habitat. Researchers intend to build an assurance population, or a captive population with genetic diversity in human care, as they scale up the glyptodons. It will take many generations and perhaps more genetic tinkering to bring the hybrids back to their original Pleistocene-era size, but that is the hope.” “We’re not quite sure how large this first generation will grow. “We successfully reconstructed the glyptodon genome from the extracted DNA using the modern armadillo as reference,” said Robert Fleischer, a senior scientist and the head of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute’s Center for Conservation Genomics. Inspired by efforts to bring back other extinct species like woolly mammoths, dodos and thylacines, Smithsonian researchers teamed up with local archeologists to "de-extinct" the historically massive armadillo. Screaming hairy armadillos are native to South America and are listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They get their name from the squealing noise they emit if they are threatened and the greater amount of hair they have compared to other armadillo species. “Our whole team is thrilled to be part of this big moment in wildlife history.”įrom four fossils discovered in South America in 2020, scientists extracted DNA from the remains of two adult and two juvenile glyptodons. Screaming hairy armadillos are native to South America and are listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. “Mom is doing great, and all the pups seem healthy,” said Kenton Kerns, assistant curator of the Small Mammal House. Matthew and Steve are the coauthors of Every Minute on Earth and Guide to the Planet.This morning, April 1, four glyptodon hybrid pups were born at the Zoo's Small Mammal House via a La Plata three-banded armadillo surrogate mother. Due to the massive size of an adult glyptodon, officials at the zoo expect the exhibit will eventually need to be renamed to the ‘Mammals of Unusual Size’ House. His father, Steve Murrie, is a retired science teacher with 40 years teaching experience. Matthew Murrie is a former public school teacher, curriculum writer, and private academy instructor. There are over 70 creatures in all, brought to life with full-color illustrations and photographs and detailed, engagingly written text.Īn illustrated compendium of animals with funny, fascinating, or just-plain-weird names (like the sparklemuffin peacock spider or the fried egg jellyfish) teaches kids about unusual animals as well as scientific taxonomy. While the names of these species are undeniably curious, the heart of the book is their just-as-curious habits, appearance, abilities-and the stories of how they acquired their unusual monikers. The White-Bellied Go-Away Bird-guess what its cry sounds like? Plus the Fried Egg Jellyfish, the Sparklemuffin Peacock Spider, the Bone-Eating Snot Flower Worm, and many more. Meet the Waxy Monkey Tree Frog, who lives high in the forests of South America-the "waxy" refers to its skin secretions and the "monkey" comes from its long, simian fingers, perfect for climbing. Introducing The Screaming Hairy Armadillo and 76 Other Animals with Wild, Wacky Names, a science-based illustrated celebration of creatures notable for their bizarre, baffling, and just-plain-funny names. Kids love science, kids love animals, and kids love everything-everything- weird.
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