Embedded Files
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Family: Myrmecophagidae
Order: Pilosa
Genus: myrmecophaga tridactyla
Species: myrmecophaga tridactyla
Evolution
All Subspecies:
-Giant Anteater
- Northern and Southern Tamanduas
-Silky Anteater
How long has this species been in existence: The Giant Anteater has been in existence for millions of years. The specific species we recognize has been in existence for 23 million years.
Closest living relative to this species: the closest living relative to the giant ant eater are the Tamanduas, Silky Anteater, and Sloths
3 ancestors of this species: Protamandua rothi, Neotamandua borealis, and palaeomyrmidon incomtus.
Description
Giant anteaters are very large, solitary animals known for their feeding habits they have long snouts, sticky tongues, powerful claws, and patterned fur.
Point key characteristics of species: long snouts, stinky tongues, and patterned fur. They have a unique diet as well, the giant ant eater mostly feeds ants and termites. Giant anteaters are generally solitary animals except for mothers and their young.
Size: 6-8feet including their long tails that can reach 2-3feet
Weight: 60-140lbs
Life Span: in the wild they can live to approximately 14 years
Differences between Males and Females: males tend to be a lot bigger in size to females although they look similar in appearance. besides females nurturinmg the young, there is not many differences in traits.
Description of the Habitat: Grasslands--Savannas and Pampas: Anteaters are most commonly found in open grasslands where they can find food with ease.They also thrive in rain forests, wetlands, scrublands, and evergreen forests.
How much rainfall: Anteaters are well adapted to many climates. They love rain and prefer subtropical and temperate regions.
Plants: The giant anteater prefers areas with sparse vegetation so they can move easily, but also enough to make shelter.
Animals:
Temperature: the grasslands provide favorable climate for the giant anteater with warm temperatures.
Distribution
Continents found: South America and Central America
Invasive at all: No, they are native species to their regions.
Diet
What exactly does it eat: ants and termites
How often does it eat: The giant anteater eat frequently throughtout the day in " rapid feedeing sessions".
How does it get it’s food: using their specialized tongues to capture insects, also they use their claws to tear open ant and termite hills.
Any special foods: No
Social Structure
Live in packs or solo: Giant anteaters are predominaty solitary animals. The only time they aren't is when mothers are caring for their young.
How do they interact with each other:They other really engage with each other during mating, witch is brief.
Reproduction
How often do they mate: anytime of the year when the conditions are favorable.
How many mates do they have: many
Time of year for mating: All year round
Number of offspring produces at a time: one
Any unique characteristics of their mating: no
Development
Stages of development:
-Birth-newborn and Dependent
-Infancy-first few months, learing peroid
-Weaning-6-9 months, increased independence
-Juvenile-9-12 months
-Sexual Maturity-2-4 years
Birth:
Newborn: Giant anteaters are born after a gestation period of about 190 days (approximately six months). Newborns are relatively small, weighing around 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms), and are covered in a coat of fur that resembles adult fur but is softer and shorter.
Dependent: Immediately after birth, the mother carries the newborn on her back, where it clings to her fur. This provides safety and mobility as the mother forages for food.
Infancy:
First Few Months: During the first few months, the young anteater is entirely dependent on its mother for nourishment and protection. The mother continues to carry the young on her back, providing warmth and security.
Learning Period: The young anteater begins to learn essential survival skills by observing its mother, such as how to locate and extract ants and termites.
Weaning:
6 to 9 Months: The weaning process typically occurs around 6 to 9 months of age. During this time, the young anteater starts to spend more time off its mother's back, exploring and foraging on its own while still under her supervision.
Increased Independence: The young gradually becomes more independent, although it may still rely on the mother for protection and guidance.
Juvenile:
9 Months to 2 Years: Juvenile giant anteaters continue to grow and develop, becoming increasingly self-sufficient. They practice foraging skills and learn to navigate their environment more effectively.
Territorial Exploration: During this stage, they begin to establish their own territories, separate from their mothers.
Sexual Maturity:
2 to 4 Years: Giant anteaters reach sexual maturity between 2 and 4 years of age. By this time, they are fully grown and capable of reproducing.
Adult Behavior: Once sexually mature, they exhibit adult behaviors such as solitary living, except during mating or when females are caring for young.
Giant anteaters progress through distinct developmental stages from birth to sexual maturity. They are dependent on their mothers for the first 6 to 9 months, gradually gaining independence. Sexual maturity is reached between 2 and 4 years of age, at which point they are capable of reproducing and fully participating in the species' life cycle
How old before sexual maturity: 2 to 4 years old
Causes of death
Predation: mainly Jaguars and Pumas, but sometimes large birds
Sexual Competition: The giant anteater shows signs of territorial behavior, Aggressiveness, and scent marking amongst males.
Disease: Infections and Parasites
Other causes: roadkill, injury, and humans
Inter-species – within the species: Predation, Competition for resources, humans.
Intra-species – with other species: territorial behavior, mating interactions.
What do they compete over: primarily over territory, food, and mating opportunities.
Affect of invasive species:
Competition for Food
Competition for Food
Resource Competition: Invasive species that consume ants and termites could directly compete with giant anteaters for these food resources. This competition can lead to a reduction in the availability of these essential food sources, potentially causing nutritional stress and affecting the health and survival of giant anteaters.
Efficiency: Some invasive species might be more efficient at locating or exploiting these food resources, further disadvantaging the native giant anteaters.
2. Habitat Alteration
2. Habitat Alteration
Environmental Changes: Invasive plants or animals can alter the habitat structure, making it less suitable for giant anteaters. For example, invasive plant species might change the composition of the vegetation, affecting the availability of food and shelter.
Ecosystem Balance: The introduction of invasive species can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, leading to changes in soil composition, water availability, and overall habitat quality.
3. Predation and Disease
3. Predation and Disease
New Predators: Invasive predator species can increase predation pressure on giant anteaters, particularly on young or vulnerable individuals.
Disease Transmission: Invasive species can introduce new diseases or parasites to which native species, including giant anteaters, have no immunity. This can lead to increased morbidity and mortality.
4. Indirect Effects
4. Indirect Effects
Displacement: Competition and habitat changes can force giant anteaters to move to less suitable areas, where food is scarce and the risk of predation is higher.
Behavioral Changes: Increased competition and predation pressure can lead to changes in the behavior of giant anteaters, such as altering their foraging patterns, becoming more nocturnal to avoid competition, or increasing their range to find sufficient food.
5. Examples of Invasive Species
5. Examples of Invasive Species
Fire Ants:
- Fire ants, which are invasive in many parts of the world, can outcompete native ant species that are the primary food source for giant anteaters. Additionally, fire ants are aggressive and can cause harm to anteaters if encountered.
Non-native Plants: Certain invasive plant species can change the landscape, affecting the availability of nesting sites for termites and ants, indirectly reducing the food supply for giant anteaters.
IUCN Rating
What is the rating? : "vaulnerable" The IUCN classifies the giant anteater as Vulnerable due to threats such as habitat loss, road mortality, hunting, fires, and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to mitigate these threats and protect this unique species from further decline.
Population: the IUCN does not have a specific number
Population Trend: decline
Impact of Humans
What impacts have occurred: Habitat Destruction, Road mortality, Hunting and poaching, fires, and climate change.
Potential Future impacts:
-Climate change-altered habitats
-Invasive Species-new competitors
-Diseases
How long have humans been interacting with species: they have been with anteaters for thousands of years--mostly through hunting but also through scientifc studies.
Page updated
Report abuse