MAMMALIA: XENARTHRA: MYRMECOPHAGIDAE: Myrmecophaga

Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758

Giant anteater

Photo & text by Dr. Robert Sprackland

Range: Much of South America, from s. Argentina north to Belize.

Diagnosis: A distinctive long-nosed animal with long white fur on the forelimbs, extremely tiny ear pinae, and a stiff, heavily furred tail.

Description:

Natural History: Giant anteaters frequent grasslands, pampas, and border forests. Despite the name (Myrmecophaga literally means "ant eating"), these mammals largely consume termites. The massive front claws, which may reach 18 cm/ 7 inches in length, easily tear open concrete-hard termitaria. Prey are lapped up with the long, sticky tongue. The long, stiff hair of anteaters protects them from the retaliations of attacked termite colonies.

Anteaters can swim and run fairly well, but primary defense is the massive set of front claws.

Reproduction: One juvenile is produced per litter, and will remain in the care of the female for about on year.

Taxonomy & Relationships:

Variation:

Additional Comments: This species is becoming increasingly uncommon in its home range, and has been listed on CITES Appendix II.

Type Specimen:

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