Description

The tamandua is up to 3 feet long and weighs up to 17 pounds. Its thick, coarse fur is light yellow, tan, brown, or gray in color, and some individuals have a dark "vest" around the neck and abdomen.

A prehensile tail up to 2 feet long allows the tamandua to maneuver through trees with ease. In fact, the tamandua actually spends more time in the trees than on the ground. Enormous front claws also help it climb. There are four toes on each front foot, with an extra-long claw on each third toe. These claws are used when digging for food, and for defense. There are five clawed toes on each hind foot.

Like other anteaters, the tamandua has a long, sticky tongue (up to 16 inches). The tongue is covered with tiny backward pointing spines which prevent prey from escaping. Tamanduas have no teeth, so all food is taken whole. However, the mouth isn't much larger than the tongue, so it is virtually impossible for a tamandua to ingest anything too large for its digestive system to handle.

The tamandua bears a gland which can spray a foul-smelling secretion that many have said is far more potent than anything a skunk can produce.

Distribution and Habitat

The tamandua ranges from Mexico through Central America and South America to Argentina and Uruguay. Although it inhabits a variety of habitats, it is most commonly found in tropical rain forest, savannah, and thorn scrub.

Habits and Behaviors

This animal is solitary, coming together only to breed. It is most active at night, but will occasionally move about during the day. If threatened, a tamandua can put up quite a fight with its powerful forearms and sharp claws. If cornered while in a tree, it will hold onto a branch with its hind feet and tail so its arms and claws are free to fight. If on the ground, it will back itself up to a rock or other solid object, rear back on its hind legs, and strike out with its forearms and claws.

Diet

Not surprisingly, ants make up a large portion of the tamandua's diet, and an adult can consume up to 9,000 ants in one day. Tamanduas will also prey on termites and bees, and have also been known to lick up honey and soft, juicy fruits.

Reproduction

Mating takes place in the fall. The female gives birth to one young (occasionally two) after a gestation period of about 5 months, and bears sole responsibility for the care of the young. At first the young tamandua only barely resembles the adult, with a coat of a solid color ranging from white to black. The mother will carry the baby around her back for the first several months of its life, placing it in a safe place nearby while looking for food. The young become independent at about one year.

Scientific Classification

phylum Chordata
subphylum Vertebrata
class Mammalia
order Edentata
family Myremecophagidae
genus & species Tamandua tetradactyla

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