AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN VUInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Vulnerable — at high risk of extinction if the current adverse conditions continue.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Giant anteater
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large mammal with an elongated snout and bushy tail, featuring a tongue up to 60 cm long to eat ants.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Oso caballoYurumí
Giant anteater
Papa-formigas-giganteTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pilosa
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Myrmecophagidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Myrmecophaga
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Prefers savannas, grasslands, and open forests where insect nests abound.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Walks on its knuckles to protect its claws; it is primarily solitary and terrestrial.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary individuals that only meet for mating.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Insect specialist; consumes thousands of ants and termites daily.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Essential biological controller of termite populations in open ecosystems.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
The female carries the offspring on her back for almost a year to camouflage it.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
180.0 - 217.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
27.00 kg - 45.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
24 - 48 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
180 - 195
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males15 - 25 Years
Females15 - 25 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its tongue is covered with tiny spines and sticky saliva.
Massive front claws up to 10 cm to break termite mounds and defend against predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Roadkills and wildfires in grassland areas.
Habitat loss due to the conversion of savannas into agricultural land.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They have no teeth; they crush insects against the walls of their stomach.
They have the lowest body temperature of any terrestrial mammal (about 33°C) to save energy.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
