Myrmecophaga tridactyla

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Giant anteater
French : Tamanoir, Fourmilier géant

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Pilosa
Family : Myrmecophagidae
Notes : 3 subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a total length up to 2.17 m for a weight of 41 kg. Head is 30 cm long, very thin and with round ears. Tail is very bushy. Coloration is grey to brown with golden hairs. Large black areas on shoulders, silvery belly.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in central and South America, from southern Belize and Guatemala to Colombia, south to Brazil and north Argentina. Lives in grasslands, savannas, swamp forests, dry open forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix II
Status : This species has declined in many parts of its range because of habitat destruction. Dietary requirements, low reproductive rate make it vulnerable.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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