Giant anteater
Myrmecophaga tridactyla
About
A giant anteater can consume up to 30,000 ants in a single day!
Giant anteaters, as their name implies, are the largest anteater species in the world. They inhabit grasslands and rainforests across Central and South America.
When a giant anteater locates an ant hill or termite mound, they tear it open with their claws and vacuum up the ants using their long snouts. Their tongues are covered in thousands of tiny hooks, aiding in the extraction of ants and termites. The tongue is attached directly to the sternum, allowing it to flick in and out up to 150 times per minute, making them highly effective feeders!
Generally slow-moving, they can sprint short distances when necessary. When not foraging, they spend much of their time sleeping, using their furry tails as a warming blanket.
Giant anteater facts
Threats
Giant anteater populations are declining, and the species is frequently reported in roadkill surveys.
They are among the most threatened mammals in Central America and Brazil, with some areas where they once roamed freely now devoid of their presence.
In many regions, they are considered pests or hunted for food. In Central America, significant portions of the grassland they rely on for survival have been destroyed. We play a crucial role in the future survival of this vulnerable species by supporting conservation projects in the wild.
Learn more about the Conserving Brazilian Giants project, which aims to protect giant anteaters and other species from highway threats.
Human intervention
Hunting or collection
