Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

Giant anteaters have tongues measuring up to 50cm, no teeth, and feed on termites as well as ants. Their long hair and thick skin protects them from the bites of angry ants and termites defending their nest.

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About the Giant anteater

The Giant Anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, is the largest species of anteater. It is found in Central and South America. It is the only species in the Myrmecophaga genus.

It is a solitary animal, found in many habitats, including grasslands, deciduous forests and rainforests. It feeds mainly on ants and termites, sometimes up to 30,000 insects in a single day.

The name "Myrmecophaga tridactyla" is from Greek murmekos, ant and phagein, to eat. Therefore, "ant eating".

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Scientific Classification

Class: Mammal (Mammalia)

Order: Pilosa

Family: Myrmecophagidae

Genus: Myrmecophaga

Species: Giant Anteater (tridactyla)

The Giant anteater is

Adaptation data provided by Animal Diversity Web

Where can I see them?

Map showing the distribution of the Giant anteater species

Species range provided by WWF's Wildfinder

Conservation Status

The Giant anteater is Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)

  1. EX - Extinct
  2. EW
  3. CR - Threatened
  4. EN - Threatened
  5. VU - Threatened
  6. NT
  7. LC - Least concern

Population trend: Decreasing

Year assessed: 2008

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