Conservationists challenge FIFA to put in more efforts to protect WC armadillo mascot

With the World Cup set to stage in Brazil in a few days time, conservationists in the host nation are reportedly challenging FIFA to put in more efforts to protect this summer's tournament mascot, armadillo.

Scientists have reportedly called on FIFA and the Brazilian government to designate parts of the dry forest habitat where the armadillo, whose Brazilian three-banded species is listed as vulnerable, lives as protected areas.

According to the BBC, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo is the basis of the Fuleco mascot that would feature on official merchandise and souvenirs during the World Cup.

The government has reportedly met with scientists to discuss drawing up a conservation plan, but FIFA has not yet responded directly to the challenge, admitting that it has no 'direct relationship' with an NGO.

However, one of FIFA's commercial affiliates gave a one-off payment of 27,000 pounds to the Caatinga Association, which is trying to protect the species.

The vulnerable armadillo species in question is known as Tolypeutes Tricinctus and is found only in Brazil, where it lives in a type of tropical dry forest known as Caatinga, the report added.

Even though FIFA has claimed that it would help raise awareness about the species, critics said that the body is doing little to help protect it, the report further added.