Southern Tamandua Plush Toy - Lifelike Design, Soft and Cuddly for Animal Enthusiasts

The Southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla), also known as the collared anteater, is a fascinating creature found across South America and the island of Trinidad. This medium-sized anteater is a skilled tree climber, thanks to its prehensile tail and strong foreclaws, which help it break into insect nests and hold onto branches. Measuring up to 88 cm (35 inches) in body length, with a tail nearly as long, it’s a unique mix of elegance and utility.

What makes the tamandua even more intriguing is its diet—it primarily feasts on ants, termites, and even the occasional bee larvae, using its long, sticky tongue (up to 40 cm or 16 inches long!) to scoop up its tiny prey. Fun fact: it avoids ants with strong chemical defenses, like leafcutter ants, showing just how selective it can be!

While mostly nocturnal, the Southern tamandua sometimes roams during the day, foraging in forests, savannas, and even thorny scrublands. And if threatened, it assumes a "hugging" defensive posture, standing on its hind legs and spreading its claws wide to ward off predators. Despite its tough exterior, it’s often surrounded by flies and mosquitoes in the rainforest—talk about a challenging life!