Tamandua tetradactyla (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae)

Abstract

Tamandua tetradactyla (Linnaeus, 1758), commonly called the southern tamandua, is 1 of 2 extant, primarily arboreal anteaters. It is distributed over northern and central South America east of the Andes and uses a diverse array of habitats including Chaco, grasslands, and transitional forests. Its diet is primarily one of social ants and termites. It is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources due to its wide distribution. Primary threats to T. tetradactyla are fire, habitat loss, highway mortality, and hunting.