The Giant Anteater is native to Central and South America, in grassland and forest habitat.
A large (over 6 foot/2 metres long) and bizarre-looking animal, it is surprising that such a big mammal can survive on a diet of small insects.
The Anteater has massive claws to rip open ant hills and termite mounds. Although not normally aggressive, it can defend
itself from jaguars by using its strong claws.
The long, tapering snout houses the extremely long and sticky tongue. The jaw barely opens and there are no teeth.
It has a very good sense of smell but poor eyesight and relatively poor hearing.
Male and female have similar markings/colouring but males are slightly larger. They lead solitary lives, coming together occasionally to mate.
The coat pattern breaks up the animal's outline for camouflage and the large, bushy tail is also used when sleeping
for camouflage and warmth/shade. Giant Anteaters are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, sleeping in the day, but they can be active in daytime.
The tongue is some half a metre long and sticky to pick up ants, termites and other small insects.