Giant Anteater

Giant Anteater

Scientific Name Myrmecophaga tridactyla

Classification – Myrmecophaga

Gender Names – Male – boar; Female – sow; Baby – kit, cub

Collective Noun – Aarmory

Length/Size – 0.9m – 2.1m (3ft – 7ft)

Weight – 18kg – 40kg (40lbs – 88lbs)

Top Speed – 30km/h (18mph)

Life Expectancy – 14 years; up to 16 in captivity

Mating Season  March to May

Gestation Period – 190 days

Special Features  The snout is elongated and the tongue is long and sticky to pull out ants from the holes; good swimmers

Social Structure – Lives a completely solitary life

Geographical Distribution – Central and South America

Natural Habitat – Multiple habitats, including grassland and rainforest

Conservation Status – Vulnerable

Diet – Ants, Termites, Insects

Predators – Puma, Snakes, Jaguar