Locally called the Tattoo, the Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is one of Tobago’s more curious forest dwellers. Its name comes from the nine flexible bands along its shell-like armour, a natural shield made of bone and keratin that helps protect it from predators.
The Tattoo isn’t originally native to Tobago. It’s believed to have migrated from mainland South America, most likely through natural dispersal or human introduction centuries ago. Over time, it adapted to Tobago’s forests and savannas, where it digs burrows and searches for insects, grubs, and roots with its sharp claws and keen sense of smell.
Armadillos are mostly nocturnal, and although shy, they play a crucial role in the island’s ecosystem by aerating the soil as they dig and helping to control insect populations.
In old Tobagonian tales, the Tattoo was often admired for its toughness and quiet nature, a symbol of resilience and protection. Today, spotting one in Tobago’s countryside is a reminder of the island’s rich blend of Caribbean and South American wildlife