Brazil's Xenarthrans
Xenarthrans are a group of mammals that include anteaters, sloths, and armadillos. The name xenarthran comes from two Greek words meaning “unusual joints.” Today there are about 40 species of xenarthrans. Some hang upside down from trees, others have a long snout with a very long tongue, and some dig the ground in search of insects and small invertebrates. Some will even eat dead animals! All current and extinct species have been found in specific regions of the Americas, mostly South America. Check out the species below that call Brazil home. To discover the animal’s diet, lifespan, habitat and fun facts click on their image.
Giant Anteater - Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Thomas's silky anteater - Cyclopes thomasi
Rio Negro silky anteater - Cyclopes ida
Common pygmy anteater - Cyclopes didactylus
Xingu pygmy anteater - Cyclopes xinguensis
Red pygmy anteater - Cyclopes rufus
Southern anteater - Tamandua tetradactyla
Hoffmann's Two-fingered Sloth
Linné's Two-fingered Sloth
Northern Maned Sloth
Southern Maned Sloth
Brown throated Sloth
Pale-throated Sloth
Armadillos
Armadillos are the only mammals that have a carapace or dorsal armor made of small bony plates. Their diversity is truly astonishing.