Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

Description: The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a mammal, roughly the size of a german shephard dog. The anteater grows to lengths of 1-2 m and reaches weights in the range of 22-39 kg. Long straw-like brown-black fur covers its body which grows to lengths of up to 40 cm on its bushy tail. It has a black and white stripe that runs along each side of its body.

Giant anteaters have long, tubular snouts, well adapted for working its way into the ant hills and termite nests it rips open with its large claws. The anteater's tounge is sticky, helping to gather the tiny insects it eats. The anteater's front limbs are strong and provide some defense against its natural predators, the puma and the jaguar. Long, sturdy claws adorn its front limbs. When walking, the giant anteater protects these front claws by walking on its knuckles.

Classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order Xenarthra
• Family Myrmecophagidae
• Genus Myrmecophaga
• Species tridactyla

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Habitat: Inhabits grasslands, deciduous forests, rain forests, savannas, wet forests, and swamps. Individual anteaters have ranges of about 2 square km up to 25 square km (depending on food availability). Seeks shelter at night in hollow logs, at the foot of a tree, or in the shelter of a bush. Range extends from Central to South America.

Diet: Primarily ants and termites. Occasionally eat grubs and other insects.

Status: Vulnerable, facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future. Population reduction in the form of an observed, estimated, inferred or suspected reduction of at least 80% over the last 10 years or three generations based on a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence or quality of habitat and actual or potential levels of exploitation. Source: IUCN Species Information Sheet (giant anteater), 2001 Categories and Criteria.