Paula Couto's Pampathere
Holmesina paulacoutoi
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Chordata
Mammalia
Cingulata
Chlamyphoridae
Pampatheriidae
Holmesina
Holmesina paulacoutoi
A heavily armored herbivore of the Pleistocene tropics, Holmesina paulacoutoi was a relative of armadillos and glyptodonts, roaming the open and forested landscapes of Brazil. Its thick carapace and strong limbs made it well-suited for defense — but not immune to early human hunters.
Description
Holmesina paulacoutoi — This extinct pampathere was a large, armored xenarthran related to modern armadillos. Measuring over 2 meters long and weighing more than 200 kilograms, it sported a flexible but thick carapace of bony osteoderms, allowing moderate movement while maintaining protection. Unlike glyptodonts, which had fused shells, Holmesina had a somewhat segmented armor that provided both mobility and defense.
Primarily a herbivore, it grazed on coarse grasses and low vegetation. Fossils are mostly found in eastern Brazil, where it inhabited savannas and lightly forested areas. Its teeth were specialized for grinding tough plant matter. Like other pampatheres, it likely had strong digging capabilities, though not to the extent of modern armadillos.
Quick Facts
Max Mass
Shoulder Height
Standing Height
Length
Diet
Trophic Level
220
1.2
1.8
2.5
kg
m
m
m
Mixed Feeder
Herbivores – Root/Tuber Feeders
Hunt History
While there is limited direct evidence of human predation, the timing and location of Holmesina’s extinction coincide with the expansion of early human populations in South America. Like its larger armored relatives, it would have presented a rich source of meat and possibly usable armor plates. Humans likely used spears or drove them into traps. Its low speed and lack of agility made it a potential target for cooperative hunting groups.
Earliest Archaeological Finds with Human Interaction:
Bahia, Brazil – Fossils of Holmesina paulacoutoi found in proximity to prehistoric human artifacts in cave sites (~11,000 years ago).
Lapa do Santo, Brazil – Site with early Holocene human remains and fauna assemblages, including armored xenarthrans (~10,000–11,000 years ago).
Santa Elina Shelter, Brazil – Rock shelter with human presence and extinct megafauna bones, including possible pampatheres (~11,500 years ago).
Time & Range
Extinction Status
Globally Extinct
Extinction Date
Temporal Range
Region
10000
BP
Late Pleistocene
South America
Wiki Link
Fat Analysis
Fatness Profile:
Low
Fat %
4
Est. Renderable Fat
8.8
kg
Targeted Organs
Tail-base fat, limb pockets
Adipose Depots
Tail-base pad, limb pockets; limited subcutaneous
Preferred Cuts
Tail-base depot
Hunt Difficulty (x/5)
3