General Characteristics
Description :
-
They are the largest of the anteater species.
-
The snout is long and the skull is streamlined with small eyes and ears.
-
 The tail is large and bushy and is nearly as long as the body.
-
 They have fur that is thick and coarse and longer towards the tail.
-
Their coat is brown with black and white stripes on the shoulders and a crest of hair along the middle of the back.
-
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