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Northern Tamandua

Tamandua mexicana

Published on Project Noah
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10.4378, -84.7092

Field Notes

Description:

The smaller of Costa Rica's two anteaters.

Habitat:

Spotted on nature trail at Arenal Observatory Lodge, Costa Rica

Notes:

Also known as Collared Anteater, but that name is also applied to Tamandua tetradactyla.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (9)
KarenL
Fun fact! The odd looking tamandua or lesser anteater has perfectly evolved to survive in its South American forest and scrub habitat. It’s coarse kinky hair prevents angry ants from reaching its skin when it is dining at an anthill, and enormous front claws that enable it to climb trees, for defense and when digging for food. It also has a prehensile tail that it uses like an extra hand or foot while climbing, or like a tripod when it needs to stand upright to defend itself against predators. If that doesn’t work, it can also emit a foul smelling musk from its anal glands. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153471843210603&set=a.10152575329380603.958289.10150120463815603&type=1

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Life in Costa Rica

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Photographed
PublishedNovember 10, 2013

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