Timber plantations as favourite habitat for giant anteaters

Abstract

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is generally considered a savannah inhabitant; little information exists on populations in forested areas as much as on most other aspects of its ecology. The aim of this study was to determine the ecological value of timber plantations to the species and its requirements of anthropogenically used and converted habitats. We investigated habitat use and distribution patterns of giant anteaters in Acacia mangium plantations in a northern Brazilian savannah biotope. Road counts were conducted to estimate anteater densities in two different habitats. Anteaters showed strong diurnal foraging activities in the plantations, and their densities were substantially higher there than in the surrounding savannah [plantations: 2.9 individuals (ind.)/km2; savannah: 0.1 ind./km2], with concentrations of up to 13.4 ind./km2. Although fundamental changes of anteater densities occurred on small scales in the plantations, no connection between anteater distribution and plantation management practices could be found. Food availability in Acacia plantations and cover from both extreme temperatures and potential predators probably make these forested areas well suited for giant anteaters. We conclude that conditions comparatively beneficial to the anteater can be found in natural forests but usually not in plantations of other exotic timber species. This needs to be incorporated in forestry management plans aiming at supporting this charismatic animal.