Where does the giant anteater live?
The giant anteater lives in Central and South America: its known range stretches from Honduras to Bolivia and northern Argentina. It can live in tropical rainforests as well as arid shrublands, provided enough prey is present. It forages in open areas and rests in more forested habitats. It is mostly terrestrial, unlike other anteaters and sloths, which live in trees.
What does the giant anteater eat?
The giant anteater feeds mainly on ants and termites: it digs them up with its long foreclaws and collects them with its long, sticky tongue. It has a long snout, a bushy tail and distinctively coloured fur. It lives alone, except for mother and young. The mother carries her young on her back until weaning. The home ranges of several anteaters can overlap.
Is the giant anteater endangered?
Yes: the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable. It has disappeared from many parts of its former range. Threats include habitat destruction, fire, and poaching for fur and bushmeat, although some live in protected areas. By 2014, its total population had declined by more than 30% over three generations.
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