Southern tamandua
A species of Anteater, Also known as Lesser anteater Scientific name : Tamandua tetradactyla Genus : Anteater
Southern tamandua, A species of Anteater
Also known as:
Lesser anteater
Scientific name: Tamandua tetradactyla
Genus: Anteater
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Daiju Azuma , used under CC-BY-SA-2.5 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) is an anteater from the Tamanduas genus. Its distribution area extends over large parts of South America east of the Andes, where it inhabits various landscape areas, but which are more or less tree-covered. There it is solitary and moves both on trees and on the ground. The main food consists of state-forming insects. One cub is usually born per litter. The northern Tamandua is closely related, and has only been considered an independent species since 1975. The entire population of Southern Tamandua is not considered to be threatened.
General Info
Lifespan
9-14 years
Diet
Southern tamandua primarily feeds on ants and termites, effectively using its long, stick-like tongue to extract insects from nests and crevices. Additionally, it occasionally ingests soft fruits and honey.
Appearance
Southern tamandua is a medium-sized mammal with a slender, elongated body covered in coarse fur. It boasts a golden-brown color with lighter shades on the belly. The creature has a long, prehensile tail and a distinct elongated snout. It is characterized by unique curved claws on its forelimbs, while its hind feet have just four toes. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Southern tamandua is a solitary, nocturnal species, spending days in hollow tree trunks and venturing out at night to forage ants and termites. Known for their prehensile tails and long handheld claws, they easily navigate their arboreal environments. Their behaviors include scent marking their territory with a secreted substance and curling up into a ball when threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Anteaters and sloths Family
Anteaters Genus
Anteater Species
Southern tamandua 
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