BOOK NOOK REVIEW

'Dillos: Roadkill on Extinction Highway?

October 30, 2008 at 11:42 a.m.

Being from Michigan, I have little experience with armadillos. In fact, I can't say I've ever seen one in the wild, but that's just me. From what I understand, most people's impression of them is not favorable. They find their food in the dirt, and must excavate a fair amount of soil to do so. That must be maddening for gardeners and anyone who works hard to maintain an attractive yard. Perhaps some of you are also aware that armadillos can carry diseases such as leprosy and rabies. So what value are they? That's exactly what this book is designed to teach us.

Armadillos root in the soil to find their meals. They feed on grubs and locusts, among other things. For this reason alone, they are a natural means of pest control. The debate is still undecided whether or not armadillos eat fire ants. If so, then they have definitely earned themselves an elevated status in the animal world. For even this Michigander has stepped into a nest of fire ants on vacation in your fair state.

The downside to rooting in the soil is that they pick up infections and parasites. How can they carry these diseases but not succumb to them? Scientists believe they may have an especially well-developed immune system. Armadillos have been the animal of choice when studying leprosy. If you should handle an armadillo, wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Armadillos have survived for centuries nearly unchanged, even through mass extinctions. Perhaps it is their immune system that has allowed them to do so.

Armadillos are also of interest to scientists in studies of genetics. Even though they barely look mammalian, armadillos are in fact mammals and always give birth to identical quadruplets. This is of interest in cloning animals for food, and in fertility studies. Though hard to keep in captivity, mostly because of their nocturnal habits, armadillos are also useful in evolutionary and sleep studies because of their relatively unchanged genetic makeup.

Armadillos are curious creatures. They have captured people's hearts and have become a staple in pop culture, especially in Texas, where their likeness is associated with many industries as mascots. Armadillos grace company names and products such as Armadillo Taxi Cabs, Armadillo Café's, etc. Armadillo shells have been made into baskets, armadillos are good 'eatin to some folks, and they are the official small mammal of Texas.

Lastly, armadillos represent a food source to humans. If cooked thoroughly, the meat is not dangerous to ingest. Fully cooked armadillo meat, however, can be eaten without fear of health ramifications. The author has even included some recipes for cooking armadillo meat, including recipes for armadillo casserole, armadillo chili, mu shu armadillo, smoked armadillo chops, and more.

These creatures may be worth another look, and through that closer look we can find some value in armadillos.

Jill does laundry for a 7 year old who thinks he's too old for toys, a 5 year old gymnast, a 5 year old niece who has joined the family, and a 3 year old computer whiz. She also occasionally irons her husband's suits. In between loads, Jill loves to read.