Northern Tamandua
ExploreMammals
Northern Tamandua
Tamandua mexicana
The Northern Tamandua is a cute, tree-climbing animal that loves to eat ants and termites. With its long snout and strong claws, it can dig into nests to find tasty treats!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Northern Tamandua has a distinctive 'vest' pattern of black fur across its shoulders and back, contrasting sharply with its pale yellow or tan body. It possesses a long, pointed snout and small, rounded ears. Its largely hairless, prehensile tail helps it stand out from ground-dwelling anteaters.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderPilosaFamilyMyrmecophagidaeGenusTamandua
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its black 'vest' pattern can look like a hole in a tree, helping it hide!
Northern Tamanduas don't have any teeth, using their strong stomach to grind food!
These animals can spray a stinky, musky liquid that smells worse than a skunk!
They protect their long claws by walking on the sides of their front feet!
Special abilities
Ability
Prehensile Gripper
Northern Tamandua has a powerful, naked prehensile tail that helps them grip branches while climbing and feeding.
Ability
Armor Piercer
Northern Tamandua can use its long, sharp claws to tear open tough insect nests and defend itself from predators.
Ability
Smell Detective
Northern Tamandua has an excellent sense of smell that helps them sniff out hidden ants and termites in trees and logs.
Ability
Sticky Trap Tongue
Northern Tamandua has a long, sticky tongue that helps them quickly lap up thousands of ants and termites.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 35-55 cm
- Weight
- 3.5-8.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 9-10 years
- Top Speed
- 10 km/h
- Litter Size
- 1
- Gestation
- 130-190 days
Diet & Feeding
This amazing insectivore loves to feast on ants and termites found in forests.
Primary Foods
- Ants
- Termites
- Beetle Larvae
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Jaguar
Panthera onca
Major predator of tamanduas.
eaten by
Puma
Puma concolor
Also preys on tamanduas.
eaten by
Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyja
Large raptor that can prey on arboreal tamanduas.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Threatened
Threatened status denotes a species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future without effective conservation interventions.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Northern Anteater
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Tamanduas are wild animals and should be admired from a distance. Never try to touch or feed them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Northern Tamandua?
35-55 cm
How much does Northern Tamandua weigh?
3.5-8.5 kg
How long does Northern Tamandua live?
9-10 years
How fast can Northern Tamandua move?
10 km/h
What does Northern Tamandua eat?
This amazing insectivore loves to feast on ants and termites found in forests.
Where is Northern Tamandua usually found?
Forests
How does Northern Tamandua hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Northern Tamandua usually have?
1
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