Red pygmy anteater

Cyclopes rufus

Lifespan: Experts are still studying
Reproduction: Gestation length of the genus Cyclopes is 120–150 days.
Size: Estimated around 300 grams
Diet: It feeds almost exclusively on ants.

Common Names

English – Red pygmy anteater, red silky anteater

Portuguese – Tamanduaí vermelho

Spanish- Hormiguero sedoso rojo

How to Identify:

Cyclopes rufus

The dorsum of this silky anteater is reddish, and the tail and limbs are yellowish red. There are no ventral or dorsal stripes.

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.

Red pygmy anteater Facts

Arboreal
Nocturnal
Toothless
Prehensile tail

Habitat

•Amazon rainforest

Population Trend

• Decreasing

Threats

• Habitat loss (deforestation)
• Hydroelectric dams

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.