Mammals
Southern Tamandua
Tamandua tetradactyla · also called collared anteater
Climbing confidently through the canopy with the help of a strong prehensile tail, a southern tamandua wears a bold black vest pattern across its shoulders, a much smaller and more agile relative of the giant anteater.
Overview
The southern tamandua, Tamandua tetradactyla, is a Least Concern mammal found across forest, woodland, and grassland throughout much of South America east of the Andes. Its distinctive black vest marking, partly arboreal lifestyle, and powerful defensive claws make it one of the more adaptable members of the anteater family.
Equally at home on the ground or in the trees
Unlike the strictly terrestrial giant anteater, the southern tamandua moves comfortably between ground and canopy, using a strong prehensile tail to climb after insect nests found high in the trees as readily as those found underground.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across suitable forest, woodland, and grassland habitat throughout its extensive South American range.
Southern Tamandua: common questions
How is the southern tamandua different from the giant anteater?
It is considerably smaller and more lightly built than the giant anteater, and unlike its larger relative, it is partly arboreal, using a prehensile tail to climb trees in addition to foraging on the ground.
What does the southern tamandua eat?
It is an insectivore, using a long, sticky tongue to feed mainly on ants and termites, occasionally taking bees and their larvae as well.
Why is it called the southern tamandua?
The name distinguishes it from a closely related northern species, with "tamandua" being a South American name for this group of medium-sized anteaters.
How does the southern tamandua defend itself?
It relies on powerful front claws, the same claws used to tear open insect nests, as a formidable defence against predators that come too close.