Amboro silky anteater

Cyclopes catellus

Lifespan: Experts are still studying
Reproduction: Gestation length of the genus Cyclopes is 120–150 days.
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 – Amboro silky anteater

Portuguese – Tamanduaí da Bolívia

Spanish- Hormiguero sedoso de Amboró, Osito de oro

How to Identify:

Cyclopes catellus

The general color is brownish yellow, with a grey rump, legs, and tail. There is an irregular but distinctive dorsal stripe, with evident dorsal and ventral black stripes. The general color of its fur is brown yellowish; the tail and limbs are more yellowish. There is no dorsal dark stripe, but the ventral stripe is strongly developed and extensive. Its fur is denser than that of the other Cyclopes species.

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.

Amboro silky anteater Facts

Arboreal
Nocturnal
Toothless
Prehensile tail

Habitat

• Andean slopes forests
• Low forests
• Yungas

Population Trend

• Decreasing

Threats

• Deforestation for agriculture crops like soybeans
• Habitat loss
• Hunting due to superstition
• Use as pet species
• Wildfires

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.

Cyclopes catellus can be found in the below countries.

Click to learn what other xenarthran species live there too!

Bolivia

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