The giant anteater is the largest of the anteaters, a specialist that feeds almost entirely on ants and termites. It has disappeared from much of Central America and parts of South America, and it is now most easily seen in the grasslands of Brazil.
Interesting facts
- It has no teeth.
- It walks on its knuckles to protect its long front claws.
- It feeds for only about a minute at each nest, so colonies can recover.
- Its bushy tail can cover its body like a blanket while it sleeps.
- Its body temperature is low for a mammal, about 33 °C.
- Mothers carry their young on their backs for months.
Behaviour
Anteaters are solitary and use their powerful claws to rip open ant and termite nests. They defend themselves by rearing up and slashing with their claws.
Breeding and young
A single young is born after about six months and rides on its mother’s back.
Threats and conservation
Habitat loss to agriculture, fires, road deaths, hunting and attacks by dogs.
Where to see it
- Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil
- Pantanal, Brazil
- Emas National Park, Brazil
- Iberá Wetlands, Argentina (reintroduced)
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Where to see the giant anteater
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