Southern Tamandua

Tamandua tetradactyla

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Pilosa · Myrmecophagidae

About

The southern tamandua, also called the collared anteater or lesser anteater, is a species of anteater from South America and the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean. It is a solitary animal found in many habitats, from mature to highly disturbed secondary forests and arid savannas. It feeds on ants, termites, and bees. Its very strong foreclaws can be used to break insect nests or to defend itself.

Fun Fact

Southern tamanduas can consume up to 9,000 ants or termites per day but never destroy a nest completely — they move on after a few minutes, allowing the colony to rebuild.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tropical forests and savannas

Diet

Insectivore

Lifespan

9-14 years

Threats

Wildfire
Habitat Fragmentation

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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