Giant Anteater

General Characteristics

Description :

	They are the largest of the anteater species.
	The snout is long and the skull is streamlined with small eyes and ears.
	The tail is large and bushy and is nearly as long as the body.
	They have fur that is thick and coarse and longer towards the tail.
	Their coat is brown with black and white stripes on the shoulders and a crest of hair along the middle of the back.
	The forelegs are white with black bands at the toes. Their tongue sticks out to grab food.

Length : 40 - 52 inches (3.25 - 4.3 feet)

Tail Length : 25 - 35 inches

Weight : 22 - 39 Kgs (49 - 86 lbs)

Range - Central and South America (Southern Belize and Guatemala to Northern Argentina)

Habitat - Swamp, Forests and grasslands

Diet - Termites, soft body grubs

Status -Currently listed as near threatened

Reason for the status - hunted for food, pest and illegal trade

Lifespan - 14 years in the wild, 25 years in captivity

Gestation period - 190 days