General Characteristics
Description : 
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They are the largest of the anteater species.
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The snout is long and the skull is streamlined with small eyes and ears.
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 The tail is large and bushy and is nearly as long as the body.
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 They have fur that is thick and coarse and longer towards the tail.
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Their coat is brown with black and white stripes on the shoulders and a crest of hair along the middle of the back.
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The forelegs are white with black bands at the toes. Their tongue sticks out to grab food.
Length :Â Â 40 – 52 inches (3.25 – 4.3 feet)
Tail Length : 25 – 35 inches
Weight : 22 – 39 Kgs (49 – 86 lbs)
Range – Central and South America (Southern Belize and Guatemala to Northern Argentina)
Habitat – Swamp, Forests and grasslands
Diet – Termites, soft body grubs
Status -Currently listed as near threatened
Reason for the status – hunted for food, pest and illegal trade
Lifespan – 14 years in the wild, 25 years in captivity
Gestation period – 190 days