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possibly extinct. Synonyms. Myrmecophaga jubata Linnaeus, 1766. Falcifer Rehn, 1900 [5] The giant anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is an insectivorous mammal native to Central and South America. It is one of four living species of anteaters, of which it is the largest member.
Photo Ark. Giant anteaters are considered among the most threatened mammals in Central America, where their grassland habitats are threatened by human activities. Photograph by Joel Sartore,...
Habitat loss in combination with giant anteaters' dietary specificity, low reproductive rates and large body size are significant factors in its decline. Giant anteaters are the largest of the four anteater species, reaching lengths of 6-8 feet.
Jan 15, 2024 · According to the IUCN Red List, giant anteaters are the most threatened manmals in Central America. They have already gone extinct in Guatemala, El Salvador, Belize and Uruguay. As with many species, habitat destruction is a major threat to giant anteaters.
- Sunday Roast
Thankfully, anteaters are not yet classified as endangered by the IUCN. While giant anteaters are classified as vulnerable, the northern, southern, and silky anteaters are classed as least concern. However, all species of anteaters face a number of threats that could cause their endangered status to change.
Giant anteaters are not endangered yet, but they have already disappeared from much of their habitat due to habitat loss, especially from fires in grassland regions, and hunting, both for food and as pests. Vehicles often hit the animals while they lumber across a road, and they also get killed by pet dogs.
Giant anteaters are increasingly killed in car accidents. ("Rainforest Conservation Fund: Species Data for Giant Anteater", 2001) Conservation Status. Habitat destruction is the primary threat to giant anteaters. They are listed as Appendix II by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
