Thomas’s silky anteater

Cyclopes thomasi

Lifespan: Experts are still studying
Reproduction: Experts are still studying
Size: Estimated around 300 grams
Diet: No information is available on the diet of this species, but it probably mainly feeds on ants.

Common Names

English – Thomas’s silky anteater

Portuguese – Tamanduaí de Thomas

Spanish- Hormiguero sedoso de Thomas

How to Identify:

Cyclopes thomasi

The fur of its body is strikingly orange to reddish brown, while the legs and tail are grey. There is no dorsal stripe, and the ventral stripe is little developed and faint.

IUCN Red List

Species are classified into one of nine Red List Categories: Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Least Concern, Data Deficient and Not Evaluated. Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered species are considered to be threatened with extinction.

Thomas's silky anteater Facts

Arboreal
Nocturnal
Toothless
Prehensile tail

Habitat

• Tropical Forest

Population Trend

• Unknown

Threats

• Probably habitat loss

Here are some ways YOU can help keep anteaters healthy and safe:

– It is best to observe them from a distance and in silence.
– Our pets could attack them. It is important to keep your dog on a leash when you go for a walk, or keep your pets at home in an enclosed and safe area. In addition, taking care of our pets also means spaying and neutering them so that they do not breed without control.
– Anteaters love to live in the woods, keeping them as pets is not good for them. Keep in mind that they don’t like selfies either.
– If you find an injured anteater, contact a wildlife hospital so they can help it.
– If more people ate more bugs, there would be less demand for pigs and cows. Edible insects are better for the environment than large livestock.