Species T. tetradactyla
Habitat & Range
The southern tamandua is found throughout much of South America. Widely distributed in Guyana, Trinidad, Suirname, French Guiana, Brazil, and Paraguay. Also found in some parts of Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. Four subspecies of Tamandua tetradactyla have been identified.
Active on both the ground and in trees, southern tamanduas are adaptable to a variety of habitats from sea level to 6,500 ft (2,000 m). Habitats include savanna, shrubland, and lowland and tropical rain forests. They are commonly found near streams and rivers.
The southern tamandua, also called the lesser anteater or the collar anteater, are solitary animals aside from mating. Tamanduas feed on ants and termites, avoiding ants with strong chemical defenses such as army ants. They have also been known to occasionally eat honey, bees and fruit. Their long, sticky, barbed tongue can get into ant and termite homes and lick them up.
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Southern tamanduas are widely distributed with large populations including in several protected areas.
Download the App!
Get the FREE Denver Zoo app today, and be a pro the next time you visit the Zoo. You’ll get access to the Zoo map, daily activities and schedules, animal facts, and more. You can even load your membership card onto the app for additional convenience. It puts everything you need for an amazing Zoo experience right into the palm of your hand!