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JAN., 1912. MaAmMALS, VENEZUELA AND CoLomBiaA — Oscoon. 41 
ters, if any, distinguish the three forms. Our specimen was obtained 
through Don Alberto Tinedo who killed the animal a few weeks before 
our visit to the Empalado Savannas. During the few days we spent 
in this locality we failed to see any large anteaters, although they are 
regarded as not uncommon. 
Local name Oso Palmero. 
Tamandua tetradactyla instabilis Allen. Tamandua Anteater. 
Two specimens, El Panorama, Rio Aurare (1), Empalado Savan- 
nas (1). 
These agree closely with topotypes in the small size which 
seems to be the principal character. The animal is only moderately 
common in the Maracaibo region and the two specimens secured were 
the only ones seen. One was shot from the top of a small tree where 
it was discovered and called to my attention by workmen cooking 
their supper after dark under the tree. The other was met in midday 
ambling across the end of a small savanna. It quickened its pace 
somewhat when it saw me and as I advanced it finally broke into an 
awkward lope toward the nearest tree, which it started to ascend. 
Local name Oso Hormiguero. 
Dasypus novemcinctus Linnzus. Nine-banded Armadillo. 
Fourteen specimens (skulls), vicinity of Maracaibo, Venezuela. 
The nine-banded armadillo, cachicamo of the natives, is exceedingly 
abundant in the sandy regions on both sides of the northern end of 
Lake Maracaibo. Its favorite abode and safe retreat is in the extensive 
areas grown to the wild pineapple or maya the sharp claws of which, 
curving both inward and outward, render progress much simpler for 
armorclads than for animals less protected. The armadillos, the 
_ large land turtles, and certain iguanas, therefore, are found associated 
in these areas which are shunned by other quadrupeds except where 
open leads or trails permit easy passage. In the Empalado Savannas, 
armadillos were found inhabiting more accessible places, burrowing 
under clumps of low bushes, or in crevices of rock ledges. Their flesh 
is eaten by all classes of people and the stripped carcasses may be seen 
hanging in the market almost daily. 
Possibly the Venezuelan nine-banded armadillo is not civaacibcatie 
identical with the Brazilian one which was the basis of the name, but 
this can best be settled by examination of the type which is still existing 
(see Thomas, P.Z.S., p. 142, Mch. rorr). 
Local name Cachicamo. 
