On the conservation of Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae) in the core of Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras

Abstract

Abstract The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (RPBR) represents the most important region in Honduras for conservation of the biodiversity of the country. From May 2017 to January 2019, we installed 24 camera traps in the RPBR to monitor big mammals, including Myrmecophaga tridactyla. In 1512 camera-trapping hours, the giant anteater was recorded in two photos. The photos presented herein of M. tridactyla are the first records of the species in the core of the RPBR. The protection of a vulnerable species such as M. tridactyla in the RPBR could also help to protect other species (Pecari tajacu, Tayassu pecari, Panthera onca) that are strongly threatened by illegal activities such as hunting, unauthorized access to the core zone, increased lands used for agriculture, and unsustainable exploitation of the natural resources.