Oso Hormiguero is called the anteater in Costa Rica. And it’s not easy to spot! But it exists and there are quite a few of its kind. In Costa Rica a distinction is made between three species of anteater, the northern tamandua, which is sometimes also referred to as the small anteater, the large anteater, and the pygmy anteater.
Northern anteaters and pygmy anteaters predominantly live in the trees but can also move on the ground somewhat awkwardly, while the giant anteater is exclusively ground dwelling. In order not to fall from the tree, the anteater uses its long tail as an additional support which can hold onto branches perfectly. The tail of the anteater is almost as long as the body of the small mammal. They weigh between ½ pound (pygmy anteater) and 66 pounds (large anteater). The color of their fur varies from beige to light brown. There is also a clear black drawing from the shoulder to the hind legs which is reminiscent of a vest (tamandua). All anteater species have a distinctive, long and thin snout and have no teeth.
As the name suggests, the anteater feeds mainly on ants and termites. They track down the nests with their particularly well-developed sense of smell. Anteaters are not afraid to swim short distances to get food. Once a nest has been found, the animals dig up the colony with their large, sharp front claws and then eat them. The ants defend themselves with chemical toxins which is why the anteaters dig up to 80 nests in one day. Due to the fact that the anteaters have to visit so many nests, the affected colonies suffer relatively little damage.
Anteaters are both diurnal and nocturnal but rest at midday when the jungle gets too hot. They are solitary and mark their territory with an anal gland secretion that gives off a penetrating odor. Depending on the region, the anteaters can have a territory of 60 and 925 acres. During their dormant period they hide in burrows in the ground and trees to avoid being preyed upon by jaguars or harpies. If an anteater feels threatened, it will stand on its hind legs and try to drive away the attacker with its sharp claws. When female anteaters are ready to mate they emit a specific smell which attracts the males. How long tamanduas are pregnant is not exactly clear, there are reports of 130 to 150 days and 160 to 190 days.
Only one young is born per litter, which the mother raises alone. In order not to have to leave the little one behind when looking for food, she sometimes carries it on her back. Tamanduas live up to 9 years in captivity, but how old they live in the wild is still unknown. Small anteaters are not endangered in Costa Rica. Even the decline of the rainforest does not seem to affect them much, since they can also cope in secondary forests and cultivated landscapes. However, they are often run over by cars. In Mexico, Guatemala and some other countries they are under strict protection because they are threatened with extinction.
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