Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

Giant Anteater (Photo: John White)

The Giant Anteater was first reported by Linnaeus in 1758. They are widespread, inhabiting Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela. This particular species is currently (2003) listed as vulnerable. They are preyed upon by Pumas and Jaguars. Humans also prey upon the Giant Anteater when hunting, or may unintentionally kill an anteater whilst driving.

Did you know? The Giant Anteater has a highly developed sense of smell, more than 40 times greater than that of humans.

The Giant Anteater has a dense thick bristley coat of fur which is longer towards their rump. They are brown in colour, with black and white stripes on their back or shoulder areas. They have 5 short claws on their hindfeet, and their forefeet they also have 5 claws, 3 of which being long and sharp. The Giant Anteater weighs between 18 to 40 kilograms on average. They range in length between 100 to 120 cms. Their snout can be up to 45 cms in length alone. They have a large tail measuring an additional 65 to 90 cms in length.

Did you know? The Giant Anteaters tongue can extend out 61 cms!

They do not form social groups, and are solitary animals. Only the mother and her young remain together until the young is independent. They have little vocal calls, consisting of snarls, grunts or hisses.

Breeding occurs at any time of the year. The Giant Anteater has a gestation period of 190 days. Females give birth standing up, and the new born anteater will immediately climb onto the mother's back. The young anteater does not establish independence for around 2 years. The young anteater will suckle from the mother for 2 to 6 months. The mother will carry the young anteater for around 6 to 9 months.

The Giant Anteater as the name suggests, is the largest living species of anteater found in the world.

Further Information on the Giant Anteater:

E-mail to add your Giant Anteater related website.

Bibliography: