A lesser tamandua, also known as the collared anteater, foraging. The collared anteater uses its powerful forearms in self-defense. If it is threatened in a tree it grasps a branch with its hindfeet and tail, leaving its arms and long, curved claws free for combat. If attacked on the ground, this anteater backs up against a rock or a tree and grabs the opponent with its forearms. South America's Weirdest Animals starts next Sunday 2nd August at 7pm on National Geographic Wild UK 📸: NHNZ | Max Q

It's World Anteater Day! Today, 19th November is World Anteater Day. On this day, the world's 4 anteater species are celebrated - the giant anteater, the silky anteater, the northern tamandua and the southern tamandua. This day also raises awreness about anteater conservation. Trinidad is home to 2 anteater species - the silky anteater and the southern tamandua, with the latter being one of the zoo's resident mammal species. The southern tamandua, as seen in this video, can weigh up to about 10

The Southern Tamandua!! The Southern tamandua, an anteater species, can weigh up to about 10 lbs. It has a long, prehensile tail (for grasping) which can reach up to 15 to 23 inches in length. It has large, sharp claws on each foot. It's front and back feet have 4 and 5 claws each respectively. This animal has adapted to walking on the outside of it's feet to avoid puncturing itself with its claws. This toothless mammal consumes insects including ants. It's long tongue, which can reach up to 16