Southern Tamandua

Scientific Name: tetradactyla

Order: Pilosa

Family: Myremecophagidae

Conservation Status

About

The tamandua is frequently referred to as a lesser anteater due to its difference in size relative to the giant anteater. This animal is both terrestrial and arboreal, meaning it dwells in trees and on land. The tamandua often builds its nest in hollow tree trunks during the day and is most active at night. Its eyes are small, which makes its vision poor, but what they lack in sight they make up for in hearing and smell.

Find me at EPZ

Location: Habitat HQ (inside of the Saki Monkey exhibit)

Arrived at EPZ: Chuck (2023)

Habitat & Range
The Southern Tamandua calls parts of Central and South America its home. They primarily live within forest and scrub habitats.
Identification
There are a few physical traits that set tamanduas apart and have guaranteed their survival over time. Their strong smell usually keeps predators away from them, but if they are attacked, they can use their long claws as weapons.Their hairless prehensile tails enable them to grip tree limbs firmly. They can eat ants whole because of their long lips and tongues!
Diet
This mammal, like its close relative the greater anteater, typically enjoys snacking on ants. They are also known to enjoy fruits and other insects like termites.
Reproduction & Lifespan
In the fall, this solitary species will look for a mate. Newborns arrive in the spring and are only given care by their mothers. A baby tamandua spends its first few months of life curled up on its mother's back.
Fantastic Fact
A tamandua can consume up to 9,000 ants in a single day!

Southern Tamandua

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact