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Small mammals
Northern tamandua
Northern tamandua · Tamandua mexicana
The northern tamandua fascinates with its black and beige coat and clever climbing style in the forests of Central America.
Fact file
- Size
- Head-body length 54–88 cm, weight usually 3–5 kg
- Males and females
- No obvious differences between male and female animals
- Sounds
- Mostly quiet, occasional squeaking when threatened
- Diet
- Ants, termites, bee larvae and other insects
- Offspring
- Gestation around 5 months, usually a single young, which is carried on the mother’s back
How to identify Northern tamandua
Northern tamanduas are striking anteaters with a distinctive black and beige colour pattern. Their short, dense fur is pale yellow to creamy white on the body, while a dark, almost black saddle runs over the shoulders and flanks, giving them an unmistakable appearance.
They reach a head-body length of 54 to 88 centimetres and a body weight of up to 5 kilograms. The long, powerful prehensile tail is almost hairless and serves as an additional gripping organ when climbing. Their tubular, clearly elongated snout with a small, toothless mouth opening is particularly distinctive.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
- 7 places where you can see Northern tamandua
Where Northern tamandua live
Discover Northern tamandua on your trip.
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