Giant Anteaterオオアリクイ

Myrmecophaga tridactylaVU— Vulnerable

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a large, distinctive insectivore of Central and South American grasslands and forests, recognized by its elongated snout, bushy tail, and bold black-and-white shoulder stripe. It uses a 60 cm tongue to consume roughly 35,000 ants and termites a day. Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, its population has declined more than 30% over three generations, and it is especially vulnerable to wildfires.

Giant Anteater (reference photo)
Photo: Malene Thyssen / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Pilosa / Myrmecophagidae Source
Size
Head-body length 100–120 cm, tail 65–90 cm (total length 182–217 cm)
Weight
Males 33–50 kg, females 27–47 kg
Lifespan
Wild: about 15–16 years / captive: about 25 years (record 31 years)
Diet
Insectivore Insectivore feeding mainly on ants and termites; raids up to 200 nests a day and consumes about 35,000 insects
Activity
Nocturnal in warm periods, becoming diurnal when temperatures drop
Distribution
Ranges from Honduras through Central and South America to Bolivia and northern Argentina. It has been extirpated from Uruguay, Belize, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Source
Sources
ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

  • Its tongue reaches about 60 cm in length and flicks in and out roughly 160 times per minute to capture ants. Source
  • Its body temperature is around 33°C, unusually low for a mammal, reflecting its slow metabolism. Source
  • Because of its large front claws, it walks on its knuckles like gorillas and chimpanzees. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 9

Yokohama Shiritsu Yokohama DoubutsuenKanagawaOpened in 1999

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Yokohama Shiritsu Nogeyama DoubutsuenKanagawaOpened in 1951

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SHIZEN ZOOTokyoAbout a 15-minute walk from the north exit of Nishi-Kasai Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, or about a 20-minute walk from the south exit of Funabori Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line.

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Noichi Zoological Park of Kochi PrefectureKochiA 20-minute walk or 13-minute rental-bicycle ride from Noichi Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway Gomen-Nahari Line.

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TOBU ZOOSaitamaFrom Tobu-Dobutsu-Koen Station (west exit), about 10 minutes on foot (600 m) or about 5 minutes by bus.

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Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical GardensAichiOpened in 1937

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Okinawa Zoo & MuseumOkinawaOpened in 1970

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KOBE ANIMAL KINGDOMHyogoRight by Keisan Kagaku Center Station (Kobe Animal Kingdom / Fugaku-mae) on the Port Liner.

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OJI ZOOHyogo3 minutes on foot west from Oji-Koen Station on the Hankyu line.

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Latest news

6

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Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Vulnerable (VU)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

What does a giant anteater eat?
It feeds almost exclusively on ants and termites, raiding up to 200 nests and eating about 35,000 insects in a single day. Source
How long do giant anteaters live?
Wild individuals live around 15 years, while those in captivity often live close to 25 years, with one record reaching 31 years. Source
Why are giant anteaters vulnerable to fire?
Their coarse coat ignites easily and they cannot move fast enough to escape wildfires, making fire one of the greatest threats to the species. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?
Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 9 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org