Class: MAMMALIA

Order: PILOSA

Family: MYRMECOPHAGIDAE

Genus: MYRMECOPHAGA

Species: TRIDACTYLA

This species of medium-sized mammal is the only living species in its genus. Its genus in turn is one of only two in the family Myrmecophagidae, the other, Tamandua, containing arboreal anteaters of as far north as central Mexico and as far south as northern Uruguay. The Giant Anteater inhabits a large range across South America – though in some areas further north and south of its current range it has been known to exist; but is no longer believed to. Most of the giant anteater’s range is believed to exist in the Chaco region of Argentina – where there exists a terrain of varied soil firmness and presence of woodland. The known range of the Giant Anteater is believed to find a ‘barrier’ at the Andean mountain range – where the terrain is too harsh for the animal to live. Both the ground-dwelling Giant Anteater and tree-dwelling tamanduas shared a common ancestor until some 15 million years ago. The comparative size of the giant anteater may be due to island isolation prior to 3 million years ago – with the prime predator of the animal, the jaguar, only crossing into South America around that time. Few jaguar live in the Chaco today, and so in this area anteaters are seemingly especially abundant.

By far the largest anteater, this species measures from the nose to the body, excluding the tail, some 1.25 metres – with the bushy tail almost as long as the body itself. Unusual for an anteater, and for a mammal of its size and inhabitance, the tail is covered in grizzled hairs; where they are in abundance. Despite not being heavily arboreal; though it has been observed scaling termite mounds for food; the tail is comparative in relative size to that of the three arboreal anteaters. One purpose of the anteater’s tail seems to be that it can be used as a ‘blanket’ when the animal is sleeping. They do not regularly dig burrows as do armadillos – but prefer to find a secluded area of bush or comparable foliage. Giant anteaters have been observed to have surprising climbing ability – with some individuals being observed to climb trees as tall as 20 metres. The ears and eyes of the animal are small – but of most anatomical significance of the animal’s head is its elongated skull. The skull mostly consists of the snout; which has a small, inflexible jawbone. It has no teeth – but contains a sticky tongue which is about 35 centimetres in length. The sense of smell is potent – often considered to be 40 times as powerful as that of a human’s. The anteater’s body is predominantly a grey or brown colour – with the hindquarters of the animal being slightly darker than are the front quarters. The anteater’s body has a thick, black stripe which surpasses some portion of the front legs – which has a whiteish outline. When walking, the arched posture of the anteater is noticeable – especially if it has its head towards the ground as it forages for insects. The front legs of the anteater are a lighter colour – though the area just above the knuckles is black. When walking, anteaters assume a stance not unlike larger primates – in that they walk on their knuckles. The front claw of the anteater has large claws – which can be used to deter predators, or to dig into insect nests. The five toes between them have three large claws and one smaller one – the fifth toe is without a claw. The back feet, which are largely flat, have five toes and five claws. Little difference exists between the sexes.

Giant anteaters have been found living in a wide variety of habitat across central and South America; with the main arbiter on the animal’s presence being the presence of ants and termites for the animals to eat. Many anteaters live on flat grassland, like that of the Gran Chaco; but they have been found to have difficulty in regulating temperature. With a lower body temperature than that of many mammals – 32.7 Celsius, anteaters have been observed to make route to areas of shaded trees so to cool off. And so the most proper habitat for anteaters seems to be that of mixed scrub – where there is minimal limits to the movement of the animal; but also proper regions so that the animal can regulate its temperature efficiently. They also have low metabolism rates. It has also been found on timber plantations and erstwhile cattle ranches. The feet of the anteater are not adapted specifically for swimming – but in swampy regions where it lives, like the Pantanal, it has been found to be a capable swimmer. The snout is of such a length that it can raise above the water, working as a snorkel. The giant anteater feeds solely on ants and termites – of which it can go to great lengths to source, be it from large termite mounds or tree-based termite nests. The claws break into the nest before launching in their sticky tongue to start eating. Anteaters, however, are sustainable eaters – for whenever they intrude an insect nest, they only engage in short periods of feeding before they are subjected to the defensive nature of the insects. In so doing, the colony remains subject to exploitation for much longer. In rare cases, they will also devour from bees’ nests found at taller mounds.

Some studies done into areas in which giant anteaters live have found a predominantly male populace – though some scientists have noted that males might be more diurnally active than females – though the reason remains unclear. Anteaters are territorial – with a home range up to 25 square kilometres – or in Argentina up to 90 square kilometres. The territorial nature of anteaters seems more prevalent in males than females – a study conducted in 1987 found that 29% of female anteaters had territory overlap – but just 4% of males did. Anteaters may mark their territory by leaving prominent markings on trees – though this behaviour has many other implications amongst the species. A pair of anteaters will come together in the mating season between May and July – with a single pup born after a gestation of 6 months. Initially helpless, they are carried on their mother’s back ‘piggy-back style’. Whenever the mother anteater mates again, at this point the pup having grown considerably, it will gain independence. They become sexually mature as early as 2.5 years of age; or as old as 4 years. The longevity record for the species is held by a captive individual who lived to the age of 25 years and 10 months – though a lifespan of 15 is more regular in captivity. The natural lifespan as of yet remains unclear. Some anteaters in native populations have been found to be considerably inbred – one area of Brazil found anteaters with overlapping range as being highly related. Catastrophic fires affected the area in 1994 – which would’ve brought much disorder to the existing population. Anteaters seem to have flexibility in when they are active – they are largely sluggish on hot days, but much activity happens on cooler ones. In places of higher human activity, they have been found to be largely nocturnal.

Some cultures hold superstition to the giant anteater – one such being that they are an omen of bad luck. And so in addition to being wrongfully persecuted for killing of livestock, superstition also plays a part in an ongoing population decline. They are slow, and often subject to car collisions – be it intentional or unintentional. They are also threatened by the encroaching nature of South American agriculture – with areas of forest stripped away, they are unable to regulate body temperature. The IUCN has assessed the giant anteater as of ‘vulnerable’ status – at last estimate there being 5000 or so mature individuals left in a decreasing population. A species much of sensitive nature, many first attempts to bring the species into captivity were unsuccessful, with high mortality rates amongst newborns. The specialized diet was also one that presented difficulty – and so in captivity they are fed on a high-protein mixture consisting of soybean extract, taurine-infused cat food, boiled egg, ground beef, soya yoghurt, various fruits and vegetables, and honey as an additional treat. It is blended into a pasty mixture which is readily lapped up by the animals. Still, some zoologists question whether the diet is subject to revision. But breeding success has improved since – With about 90 zoos in Europe holding the species – and another 60 or so do so in the United States. If the captive population can be reintegrated into a wild reintroduction – as is already being done in areas of Argentina, then it would put an improving breeding record to good use.