Giant Anteater

The giant anteater is a subspecies of anteater that can grow up to 4 feet (excluding the tail) in length. The giant anteater (and the other subspecies) feed on ants and termites, and can consume over 30,000 insects, plus their eggs and larvae, in a single day. The giant anteater’s incredible tongue (which can be nearly 2 feet long) can be flicked in and out of the anteater’s mouth up to 150 times a minute.

Habitat destruction is the primary threat to giant anteaters. They are listed as a vulnerable species; it is estimated that there are only 5,000 in the wild, and only 90 in zoos across the United States.

About the Author
Jacob Maddox manages content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com an educational wildlife and animal website. Jacob also guest writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net