Armadillos are harvested for human consumption in many regions of the Americas (Abba & Superina, 2010). The present article provides an overview of ex situ conservation of xenarthrans, which will contribute to the development and implementation of additional strategies for protecting these unique mammals.
Specifically, semen cryopreservation, which has already been applied in some species, may be the most effective strategy for this group. Therefore, cryopreservation of biological resources may be a promising strategy for conserving xenarthrans. In this context, cryobanks are a practical approach for breeding and maintaining genetic diversity in wildlife, and they are important tools for assisting and improving both ex situ and in situ conservation strategies. Nevertheless, dedicated research and efforts to ensure the long-term conservation of these animals are deemed essential. In addition, relatively few groups are researching this superorder, perhaps because fieldwork with armadillos, anteaters, or sloths and their captive care are challenging tasks. Moreover, the paucity of information on some species has rendered population estimation and, consequently, conservation management challenging.
Unfortunately, most wild xenarthran populations are at risk, due primarily to anthropogenic activities, necessitating urgent conservation efforts. Considering their long history in the Americas, extant xenarthrans represent an important group for understanding the impact of past environmental changes on species diversification and serve key ecological functions as ecosystem engineers. Xenarthra-a superorder of placental mammals endemic to the Neotropics-is represented by armadillos, anteaters, and sloths.
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