Kingdom animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order hairy
Family Myrmecophagidae
Genre Myrmecophaga
SpeciesMyrmecophaga tridactyla
Myrmecophaga tridactyla is a species of mammal registered in 1758, by Linnaeus, found in South America and in a portion of Central America, in areas of cerrado and humid forests. With brownish gray coat, with white and black tones, it presents an elongated and thin muzzle, and teeth are absent. The tail is very characteristic and, as it resembles a flag, it allowed this animal to be called, popularly, the giant anteater.
It is the largest species of the Myrmecophaga genus: it can measure, between the head and beginning of the tail, approximately one meter in length; 60 centimeters high; 90 centimeters of tail; and reach 40 kg of body mass.
Its large front claws help defend against predators and destroy termite mounds and anthills, in order to feed on the individuals that inhabit there. For this, it uses its long and sticky tongue, thanks to the presence of well-developed salivary glands. This is capable of protruding two feet out of the mouth and collecting these small invertebrates. Thanks to a keen sense of smell, this mission doesn't get so complicated.
There is no sexual dimorphism between male and female. This, at each gestation, which lasts approximately 190 days, gives rise to a single offspring. He follows his mother, on her back, for approximately nine months, until he acquires the ability to survive without her help. Males reach sexual maturity at approximately two years of age; females, approximately one and a half years old. The average life expectancy of these animals is fifteen years. It is a solitary animal, with twilight habits, forming pairs only in reproductive seasons and during the first months of the baby's life.
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), this species is almost threatened with extinction. The destruction of habitats to make way for pastures and monocultures, fires, illegal hunting and road accidents are the main causes of this phenomenon.
Curiosity: When sleeping, the giant anteater covers itself with its tail, helping to camouflage and maintain its body temperature.
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By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
ARAGUAIA, Mariana. "Banner Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/animais/tamandua-bandeira.htm. Accessed on July 27, 2021.
