Myrmecophaga Research Articles

Anesthetic protocol for exploratory laparotomy in giant anteater (myrmecophaga tridactyla): case report

The movement of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in search of water and food causes a large number of accidents. The objective of this study is to describe the anesthetic protocol used in an exploratory laparotomy to control internal bleeding in a giant anteater. The animal was treated at the “Luiz Quintiliano de Oliveira” Veterinary Hospital of the Araçatuba School of Veterinary Medicine (UNESP) with a history of being run over. Midazolam was administered to restrain and position the animal during the physical and ultrasound examination, tramadol hydrochloride as premedication, and ketamine and midazolam for induction. Finally, anesthesia was maintained under inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane. Bradycardia during the transoperative period was corrected with a bolus of hypertonic solution (7.5% NaCl) and hydroxyethyl starch (Voluven®). The animal showed a satisfactory anesthetic recovery. Therefore, it is concluded that the anesthetic protocol is declared adequate for this procedure in giant anteaters.

Foraging association of Groove-billed Anis with a Giant Anteater in Cojedes, Central-western Venezuelan Llanos

We observed a group of Groove-billed Anis (Crotophaga sulcirostris) foraging and following a walking Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the Cojedes state (Central-western Venezuelan Llanos), using camera traps. We speculate that this behavior might be a mechanism to increase the birds’ foraging effectiveness since the number of prey caught when foraging along with the anteater tended to be high. Commensalism is relatively common in nature, but not easy to observe directly among Neotropical mammals and birds, due to their secretive and cryptic behaviors. Interactions between anis and anteaters had not been previously documented, so this is the first substantiated record of groove-billed anis foraging in association with an anteater. The expansion of camera trap networks in the tropics will likely increase our understanding and observations of commensal foraging behavior among diverse mammalian and avian taxa.

The gross reproductive morphology of the male Temminck's pangolin Smutsia temminckii (Smuts, 1832)

AbstractThe Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) is one of eight pangolin species worldwide and the only pangolin present in southern Africa. Historically, pangolins have not been able to reproduce successfully in captivity and this may be in part due to the lack of knowledge and understanding with regards to the pangolin reproductive system (anatomy, physiology, biology) in all eight species. This original study describes the gross anatomy of the male Temminck's pangolin from three adult individuals investigated. The male Temminck's pangolin presented a short, conical penis with ascrotal (internal) testes, similar to many other myrmecophagous mammals such as the aardvark (Orycteropus sp.) and anteaters (suborder: Vermilingua). However, the orientation of the penis of the Temminck's pangolin differed in that it was oriented cranioventrally, in contrast to the caudal orientation of the giant anteater. The testes were found to be bilaterally flattened with an elongate oval shape, similar to the aardvark. The specific characteristics of the reproductive tract of the male Temminck's pangolins are thought to be adaptations to their peculiar lifestyle as the male portrays characteristics that indicate adaptation to a lower basal metabolic rate and body temperature as well as to their defensive mechanism of rolling up into a ball. Our study suggests the male Temminck's pangolin reproductive anatomy is most similar and comparable to the Xenarthrans and the aardvark that display the same fossorial activities as pangolins, and the male morphology is not comparable to the phylogenetically closely‐related Carnivora.

Detection and monitoring of the fauna of medium and large mammals using camera traps in a forest remnant area in the municipality of Água Fria de Goiás, Brazil – A tool for nature conservation

Despite the growing amount of information available, biodiversity is still under threat. Wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance, and it is of logical and strategic importance to promote the further development of fauna recording and monitoring processes, emphasizing the need to strengthen the relationship between humans and nature. The aim was to record the species of medium and large mammals using camera traps. The study was conducted in the EcoCerrado Reserve in the municipality of Água Fria de Goiás, Brazil, between December 2020 and December 2022, using two camera traps in three different phytophysiognomies. 17 mammal species were recorded in 149 camera trap records, including species in the threatened category, such as Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Tapirus terrestrials, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Lycalopex vetulus, Panthera onca and Alouatta caraya. The mammal fauna observed in the study shows that this ecosystem can support populations of native species even in a modified landscape. This finding strengthens the basis for future initiatives aimed at environmental education, ecotourism, and more comprehensive legal protection for this region and other remnants of native vegetation in the Cerrado.

No evidence of sex-related differences in the diet of giant anteater in the Brazilian savanna

No evidence of sex-related differences in the diet of giant anteater in the Brazilian savanna

Insights into marking behavior of giant anteaters: a camera trap study in the rupununi savannahs, Guyana

Abstract The Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), facing threats from habitat degradation and hunting, remains a species of enigmatic behavior. This study analyzed camera trap data collected over 7700 camera trap nights in 49 stations near marked trees in Southern Guyana. A total of 883 Giant Anteater sightings were recorded, categorized into solitary adults (797), females with offspring (70), solitary juveniles (8), and paired adults (6). Meticulous observations documented various behaviors, distinguishing chemical (sniffing) and visual (scratching, climbing, hugging, rubbing) tree-marking from non-tree-marking behaviors (foraging, self-scratching, rolling, urinating/defecating). For solitary individual, a PCA revealed an inverse correlation between ignoring and sniffing (explaining 33.64 % of PC1), suggesting individuals engage in one behavior per observation. We observed an inverse correlation between hug/scratch/rub and climb (20.75 % of PC2). A weighted PCA assessing correlations by social categories, distinguishing marking behaviors from ignoring the tree (explaining 95.6 % of PC1). Scratching trees without climbing or hugging occurred from 3 pm to 1 am, with climbing most frequent between 8 and 10 pm. These behaviors were common during peak anteater sightings, peaking in May, with fewer observations in September. Overall, Giant Anteaters exhibit tree-marking behaviors, including scratching, climbing, and hugging and that a primary purpose for this behavior is communication.

Cardiac evaluation in free-ranging giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the Brazilian Cerrado

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is classified as a Vulnerable species, but these animals are regularly brought into rescue centers and are also kept in zoos around the world. They occupy a highly specialized dietary niche with a feeding ecology that is difficult to replicate under human care. This can lead to numerous nutrition-related health problems, including frequent cardiomyopathies. Establishing reference parameters for free-ranging animals is an important tool to assess the health of animals under human care. For this reason, a cardiac assessment through plasma troponin I concentrations, vertebral heart score (VHS) based on thoracic radiographs, and echocardiographic parameters were established for 11 free-ranging giant anteaters in the Cerrado savanna of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The troponin I concentrations were all lower than 0.2 ng/ml, the cutoff limit for detection in the assay used. The mean VHS in the right lateral projections was 7.49, a value almost identical to cats (7.5) and lower than dogs (9.7). A complete echocardiographic assessment is provided and compared with previous case reports. This paper validates the diet-related origin hypothesis for common dilated cardiomyopathy in giant anteaters. This is the first published study with radiographic and echocardiographic parameters for free-ranging giant anteaters, providing important reference parameters for future giant anteater in situ and ex situ conservation initiatives. This work highlights the benefits of veterinary research comparing health parameters for animals living under and outside of human care.

Bridging the gap between movement data and connectivity analysis using the Time-Explicit Habitat Selection (TEHS) model

BackgroundUnderstanding how to connect habitat remnants to facilitate the movement of species is a critical task in an increasingly fragmented world impacted by human activities. The identification of dispersal routes and corridors through connectivity analysis requires measures of landscape resistance but there has been no consensus on how to calculate resistance from habitat characteristics, potentially leading to very different connectivity outcomes.MethodsWe propose a new model, called the Time-Explicit Habitat Selection (TEHS) model, that can be directly used for connectivity analysis. The TEHS model decomposes the movement process in a principled approach into a time and a selection component, providing complementary information regarding space use by separately assessing the drivers of time to traverse the landscape and the drivers of habitat selection. These models are illustrated using GPS-tracking data from giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil.ResultsThe time model revealed that the fastest movements tended to occur between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., suggesting a crepuscular/nocturnal behavior. Giant anteaters moved faster over wetlands while moving much slower over forests and savannas, in comparison to grasslands. We also found that wetlands were consistently avoided whereas forest and savannas tended to be selected. Importantly, this model revealed that selection for forest increased with temperature, suggesting that forests may act as important thermal shelters when temperatures are high. Finally, using the spatial absorbing Markov chain framework, we show that the TEHS model results can be used to simulate movement and connectivity within a fragmented landscape, revealing that giant anteaters will often not use the shortest-distance path to the destination patch due to avoidance of certain habitats.ConclusionsThe proposed approach can be used to characterize how landscape features are perceived by individuals through the decomposition of movement patterns into a time and a habitat selection component. Additionally, this framework can help bridge the gap between movement-based models and connectivity analysis, enabling the generation of time-explicit connectivity results.

Detection of non-tuberculous mycobacteria in native wildlife species at conservation risk of Argentina.

Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are mainly environmental but can cause opportunistic infections and diseases in humans and animals. Livestock and wild animals can be infected with NTM. In Argentina, there are native wild species facing conservation risks, and they are the focus of protection and reintroduction projects designed to preserve biodiversity in various ecoregions. The aim of this study was to report the presence of NTM in samples collected from four endangered native wild species from nine Argentine provinces, as part of their pre-release health assessment. A total of 165 samples from giant anteater, peccary, tapir and pampas deer were obtained, these included either bronchoalveolar or endotracheal lavages, or oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal or tracheal swabs. Bacteriological culture followed by molecular identification and sequencing were performed. A total of 27 NTM were detected, including Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis, M. intracellulare, M. terrae, M. gordonense, M. kumamotonense, M. fortuitum, M. saskatchewanense, and M. genavense. Results revealed a 16,36% NTM recovery rate, with the giant anteater showing the highest prevalence among the mammals under study. In Argentina, due to extensive production systems, the interaction between domestic and wild species sharing the same environment is frequent, increasing the exposure of all the species to these NTM. In this way, the transmission of infectious agents from one to another is feasible. Moreover, NTMs might interfere with the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis and paratuberculosis. These findings emphasize the importance of active health surveillance in conservation programs. It highlights the need to address NTM epidemiology in wildlife and its impact on conservation and public health.

Background and common lesions in the female reproductive organs of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species in South America and is considered endangered or near extinction in Central America. Therefore, studies describing the reproductive characteristics of this species are pivotal for its conservation. Thus, this study aimed to provide a morphological description of the female reproductive tissues of this species. We collected tissue samples from six female giant anteaters and performed gross, morphological, and histochemical analyses. Five adult subjects and one juvenile were included in the study. In the ovary, classifications were made according to the follicle and oocyte sizes: primordial, primary, secondary, early antral, or antral. Typical follicles with a single oocyte surrounded by a simple or stratified layer of cubic epithelium, atretic follicles, corpora lutea, corpora albicans, and ovarian cysts were also observed. No ovarian lesions were observed. By contrast, endometritis, metritis, mucometra, and endometrial cysts were identified in the uterus. Uterine alterations in these subjects were frequent and could affect reproduction.

AN ANATOMICAL STUDY OF THE THORACIC LIMB OF THE GIANT ANTEATER (MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA) COMPARED WITH THE DOMESTIC DOG TO GUIDE SURGICAL APPROACHES TO THE HUMERUS AND RADIUS.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a neotropical mammal considered to be vulnerable to extinction. Recent increased interest in veterinary care in the giant anteater has prompted renewed interest in anatomical descriptions in this species. The terrestrial habits and slow movements of the giant anteater contribute to its susceptibility to vehicular trauma on highways, which is a significant cause of mortality in the species. This study describes the muscular anatomy of the thoracic limb and variations of the long bones with emphasis on the structures surrounding the humerus and radius. It also describes the possible surgical approaches for the management of fractures of humerus and radius, comparing these with the surgical approaches described in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Three giant anteater and three domestic dog cadavers, from deaths not related to this project, were used. The medial approach to the humeral diaphysis of the giant anteater resulted in the least tissue trauma, and provided access to the flattest surface for implant attachment. The lateral approach to the radius proved challenging, requiring total detachment of the extensor carpi radialis muscle and incision of the very robust abductor digitorum longus muscle to access the distal diaphysis. Although the giant anteater shares many similarities of the thoracic limb anatomy with the domestic dog, important differences exist. This comparative knowledge will allow veterinary practitioners to directly apply the principles of fracture repair in these species. Safe access to these bones for possible osteosynthesis is essential to allow implant placement and minimize postoperative complications in this species.

Giant anteaters as bad omens: Determinants and implications of wildlife superstitions

Abstract Superstitious beliefs threaten wildlife species, yet they have received limited attention in the scientific literature. Through a mixed‐method approach, including 259 face‐to‐face interviews, we explored the factors influencing superstitions about giant anteaters in the Brazilian Pantanal and their implications for both people and the species. Our results indicated that bad omen superstitions about giant anteaters could be explained by the psychological discomfort felt from the species' peculiarities, social influence, misconceptions about their biology and behaviour, and the frequency of the species' sightings. Age, gender and schooling did not influence superstitious adherence. Interviewees holding superstitious beliefs of bad luck reported worry, distress and anxiety in trigger situations. Most engage in superstitious behaviours to ward off bad luck. While some acts were harmless, others threatened people and giant anteaters. By explaining misconceptions and demystifying unique species characteristics that evoke psychological discomfort, conservationists might foster better coexistence between people and species historically associated with misfortune. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Comparison of Estimated Wild Giant Anteater (Myrmecopahaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758) Diets with Commercial Diets for Insectivores: Implications for Anteater Health

Using the stomach contents of 24 wild road-killed giant anteaters as proxies for their diet, we found that estimated wild diets were much lower in calcium (about ten times less) and phosphorus compared with manufactured feeds commonly fed to anteaters under human care. Indicators of soil consumption, such as ash, iron, and manganese were higher in the stomach contents than in either wild termites or manufactured diets, likely due to high levels of soil ingestion during feeding in the wild. Protein and fat levels in insects, stomach contents, and commercial diets all met carnivore recommendations. Both giant anteaters and tamanduas in managed care often develop hypercalcemia, perhaps because these taxa have an enhanced ability to retain calcium allowing them to survive on such low calcium diets. Results from this study indicate that, for anteaters in managed care, it is important to keep dietary calcium and vitamins D and K within recommended levels to prevent nutritional diseases such as hyper- and hypocalcemia and vitamin K deficiency.

Design, Performance Analysis, and Experiments of a Soft Robot for Rescue

Abstract In the narrow and irregular environment of the ruins, the existing rescue robots are struggling to achieve their performance. Inspired by the process of termite predation by giant anteaters, we propose a soft rescue robot that utilizes motion propulsion similar to gear meshing and the adaptability of a continuum manipulator. The robot, consisting of a soft continuum manipulator and driving equipment, has the characteristics of fast propulsion and adaptation to unstructured environments. The driving device can give the manipulator a maximum speed of 14.67 cm/s and a propulsive force of 19.20 N. With the flexibility of the soft robot, the soft manipulator can adapt to the environment under propulsion to pass obstacles. The experiments of self-adaptability performance tests under different conditions show that the robot can pass over obstacles with an angle of up to 80.57 deg between its axis and the contact surface. In the actual ruin experiment, the robot could penetrate 1.3 m deep in the narrow passage formed by the bricks with the mode. The experiment indicates the presented rescue robot design's feasibility. Our work could contribute to the research on the interaction of soft robots with their environment.

Molecular detection of piroplasmids in mammals from the Superorder Xenarthra in Brazil.

Xenarthra mammals can be found from southern North America to southern South America, including all Brazilian biomes. Although it has been shown that Xenarthra mammals can play a role as reservoirs for several zoonotic agents, few studies investigate the diversity of piroplasmids (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) in this group of mammals. Taking into account that piroplasmids can cause disease in animals and humans, understanding the prevalence and diversity of piroplasmids in Xenarthra mammals would contribute to conservation efforts for this group of animals as well as to infer risk areas for transmission of emergent zoonosis. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of piroplasmids in free-living mammals of the Superorder Xenarthra from four Brazilian states (Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo, Rondônia, and Pará). For this, DNA was extracted from blood or spleen samples from 455 animals. A nested PCR based on the 18S rRNA gene was used as screening for piroplasmids. Of the 455 samples analyzed, 25 (5.5%) were positive. Additionally, PCR assays based on 18S rRNA near-complete, cox-1, cox-3, hsp70, cytB, β-tubulin genes and the ITS-1 intergenic region were performed. Five out of 25 positive samples also tested positive for ITS-1-based PCR. The phylogenetic analysis positioned three 18S rRNA sequences detected in Priodontes maximus into the same clade of Babesia sp. detected in marsupials (Didelphis albiventris, Didelphis marsupialis, and Monodelphis domestica) and Amblyomma dubitatum collected from opossums and coatis in Brazil. On the other hand, the 18S rRNA sequence obtained from Dasypus novemcinctus was closely related to a Theileria sp. sequence previously detected in armadillos from Mato Grosso State, grouping in a subclade within the Theileria sensu stricto clade. In the phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS-1 region, the sequences obtained from Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tamandua tetradactyla were placed into a single clade, apart from the other piroplasmid clades. The present study demonstrated the molecular occurrence of Piroplasmida in anteaters and Babesia sp. and Theileria sp. in armadillos from Brazil.

Morphology and computed tomography of the larynx in the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris).

The white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) is a Neotropical marsupial that occurs in the Brazilian territory. The larynx is an important organ of vocalization in mammals, although, other laryngeal functions are more fundamental for survival of mammals than phonation. The anatomical knowledge of respiratory structures is pivotal for a better understanding of the species. Thus, this study aimed to examine the larynx of the white-eared opossum by gross anatomy, computed tomography and histological description. For this, 10 adult (six females and four males) white-eared opossums (D. albiventris) were used. The white-eared opossum larynx was formed by epiglottis, thyroid, cricoids and arytenoid cartilages and a corniculate process. There is a similarity between the larynx of this marsupial and those reported in other wild mammals, regarding the number of cartilages and their location. Histologically, the epiglottis consisted of elastic cartilage and thyroid, cricoid and arytenoid cartilages were composed of hyaline cartilage. The epiglottis protruded rostrally into the nasal part of the pharynx, above the soft palate, and this is probably a marsupial characteristic as the fact that the thyroid and cricoid cartilages were ventrally fused. The hyoid apparatus was similar to that of other animals, with the same bony constitution, but with a greatly reduced stylohyoid bone. Histologically, the larynx was similar to those of other species such as koala, armadillo, crab-eating foxes and giant anteaters. The knowledge of the larynx morphology is important for the anatomical features of the species and clinical and surgical procedures, such as endotracheal intubation.

Survey of the feeding management of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla) in the EAZA ex-situ programme.

Feeding giant anteaters and tamanduas as insectivorous species provides a lot of challenges for zoological institutions. In the last decades an in-house mixture, called 'Dortmund mixture', was the most common feed used in giant anteaters and tamanduas in many countries within the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria ex-situ Programme (EEP). Some nutritional problems occurred due to imbalances in the diets. The more recent nutritional recommendations for both species advise an adapted and balanced complete feed formulated for insectivorous species due to different problems arising with an in-house mixed feed as Dortmund mixture. To objectify the present situation a questionnaire was designed and sent out to 78 institutions of the EEPs for giant anteater(s) and tamandua(s). The questionnaire was divided into different sections and asked for data on husbandry, health status, feeding, especially feed composition, feed supplementation and faecal consistency. It was completed by 45 institutions with data for 130 animals, 89 giant anteaters and 41 tamanduas. The data thus represent 54% and 59% of the EEP populations. For both species, a complete feed is mainly utilised. Especially institutions that have integrated anteaters and tamanduas into their facilities during the last 10 and 20 years, use a complete feed. Regarding the in-house mixtures, there are distinct differences, both in composition and amount of each ingredient used. The evaluation of the feeds used for enrichment, for example, shows a clear species difference. While in tamanduas mainly insects are used for this purpose, in giant anteaters it is mainly fruits and avocado. In contrast to the past, many anteaters today are fed an adapted complete feed. Surprisingly, concerning feeding supplements the use of fat-soluble vitamins and combined vitamin-mineral preparations is still common in both species. More effort needs to be put into enforcing current feeding recommendations, especially for the giant anteaters.

First record of giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla - Myrmecophagidae) in Campos das Vertentes, Minas Gerais

The species Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Myrmecophagidae, is widely distributed in the Neotropics regions and is popularlyknown as the giant anteater. It is considered a generalist species regarding habitat and can be found in human-modifiedareas such as pastures and crops. However, there is limited information about the species in agricultural ecosystems. Dueto its threatened status and the absence of records in the Campos das Vertentes region, which has only 1.04% of its areaincluded in Conservation Units, this study aimed to report the unprecedented occurrence of M. tridactyla in the municipalityof Ritápolis, Campos das Vertentes, Minas Gerais, in a transitional region between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado. Twooccasional records were made on a rural road in this municipality. Therefore, this record increases our knowledge about thespatial distribution of M. tridactyla in the state of Minas Gerais, provides information about the species in human-modifiedlandscapes, and supports the need for more Conservation Units in the Campos das Vertentes region.

DISEASES OF THE GIANT ANTEATER (MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA) IN CAPTIVITY: STUDY OF MEDICAL DATA FROM 99 INDIVIDUALS IN EUROPEAN ZOOS.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is one of the three species in the family Myrmecophagidae of the suborder Vermilingua. It is the only species of the genus Myrmecophaga. The species, subject to increasing threats in its natural environment, is classified as vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. European zoos are involved in the ex situ conservation of the giant anteater, which is essential for its long-term viability. However, the diseases encountered by European captive populations of giant anteaters are not well documented, and best practice guidelines are not yet available for the species. An online two-part survey was conducted among European institutions hosting or having housed anteaters over a 20-yr period concerning the current management of captive populations and the diseases encountered. Medical data were collected from 99 giant anteaters from 30 institutions. Among the study population, 4% of the individuals were born in the wild and 96% were born in captivity. Seventy animals (71%) were still alive at the time of data collection, with an average age of 8 yr. A predominance of digestive (20%), dermatologic (20%)-with mainly wounds-and internal parasitism (18%) disorders was observed, followed by behavioral (13%), musculoskeletal (12%), respiratory (11%), nutritional (10%), and ocular (9%) disorders. Mortality mainly concerns the most extreme age categories: very young individuals, mostly secondary to trauma, and older individuals with no main cause identified. This paper details all the medical conditions reported in the European captive giant anteaters included in the study. It allows us to formulate some medical and zootechnical recommendations for the species management and to envisage new research perspectives.

Revealing an ancient injury: Ulna fracture in a Late Pleistocene Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758 juvenile individual

Analysis of ancient animal bone fractures can provide insights into ecological and behavioral aspects, as well as death processes and bone preservation modes. This paper describes and interprets the cause of a bone fracture observed in the fossil remains of a juvenile Myrmecophaga tridactyla (giant anteater) recovered from a limestone cave in Brazil. We identified an indirect bone trauma with a curved or spiral fracture line and a well-formed bone callus in the left ulna through a macroscopic and radiological examination. These features indicate that the giant anteater fell from a great height with an outstretched hand.