Summary

The Giant Anteater is one of four species of anteaters. It is native to grassland and rainforests of Central and South Australia from Honduras to Argentina. As its name suggests it largely eats ants but also termites and occasionally other insects. It uses its large claws to dig them up and then licks them up with its long, sticky tongue.

Where and when this specimen was collected is unknown.

The Giant Anteater is considered the most threatened mammal of Central America. It has become extinct in large parts of its natural range in Central America and is Critically Endangered in others. However outside of Central America populations are stable. Considered across its entire range the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) therefore considers the species to be Vulnerable. It is listed in appendix II of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) to prevent international trade from threatening it with extinction.

Specimen Details

Taxonomy

Geospatial Information

  • Precise Location

    Unknown