Giant Anteater - Behavior and Ecology

Behavior and Ecology

The giant anteater may utilize different habitats. A 2007 study of anteaters at the Brazilian Pantanal found that the animals generally forage in open areas and rest in forested areas, possibly because forests are warmer than grasslands on cold days and cooler on hot days. Anteaters can be either diurnal or nocturnal. A 2006 study at Pantanal found those anteaters to be mostly nocturnal: they are most active during nighttime and early morning, and retire as the temperature rises. On colder days, anteaters start and end their activities earlier and they are sometimes diurnal. Diurnal anteaters have been observed at Serra da Canastra. Nocturnality in anteaters may be a response to human disturbances.

Giant anteaters typically rest in dense brush but may use tall grass on cooler days. They carve a shallow cavity in the ground for resting. The animal sleeps curled up with its bushy tail folded over its body. The tail serves both to conserve body heat and as camouflage. One anteater was recorded sleeping with its tail stretched out on a sunny morning with an ambient temperature of 17 °C (63 °F); possibly it was positioned this way to allow the body to absorb the sun's rays for warmth.

Giant anteaters are good swimmers and are capable of moving through wide rivers. They have been observed to bathe. Giant anteaters are able to climb and have been recorded ascending both termite mounds and trees while foraging. One individual was observed holding onto a branch with its feet just touching the ground.