Tamandua

The Tamandua is a remarkable creature. With its elongated snout, large claws, and extremely long tongue, it bears a striking resemblance to one of its relatives: the giant anteater. And that's no coincidence! The Tamandua is an anteater, but one that can climb. In local folklore, the animal is therefore also known as the “tree anteater.” The Tamandua does not have an easy life in South America. Due to deforestation (for plantations, timber, and infrastructure, for example), the animal is slowly losing its natural habitat. In Novo Mundo—the themed area at Hof van Eckberge where the Tamandua can be seen—we tell our visitors everything about this species and the threats it faces...

General information Southern Tamandua

Latin name: Tamandua tetradactyla

The Southern Tamandua is an anteater belonging to the anteater and sloth family. It can be recognized by its slender body, long snout, and striking black and beige coat pattern. These animals usually live alone and are active during the day and at night. They use their sharp claws to break open termite and ant nests, after which they use their long, sticky tongue to eat the insects. They are found in forests and savannahs in South America and are good climbers thanks to their strong front legs and tail, which is used as a fifth arm/leg.