Giant anteater

Myrmecophaga tridactyla

Status

Vulnerable

Activity Period

Diurnal

Classification

Mammal

Able to flick its two-foot tongue in and out 150 times per minute

Giant anteaters are the largest of the anteater species, measuring 6-8 feet long and weighing 60-140 pounds. They boast a two-foot-long tongue and can eat 30,000 ants and termites in a day! Their sense of smell is also 40 times more powerful than a human’s.

tiger licking cage

Habitat

Prefer various grassland habitats, rainforests, and shrublands.

Range

Giant anteaters can be found throughout Central and South America. They are considered locally extinct in several South American countries.

Life Expectancy

Giant anteaters have a life expectancy of about 14 years in the wild. The oldest anteater to live under human care was 26 years old.

Diet

Anteaters are primarily insectivores. They feed on ants and termites, but occasionally eat soft fruits found on the ground.

Social Structure

Giant anteaters are solitary, except during mating season and when raising a pup.

Book Your Private Animal Encounter

Adopt an animal today.

Show your support for wildlife!