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ABSTRACT: Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a wild mammal distributed in Central and South America; nowadays, it is classified as an endangered species. Research about the macroscopic and histomorphological aspects of its respiratory tract is scarce, and, sometimes, it limits the treatment provided to sick animals and impairs species preservation. Thus, the present study aims to describe the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of its lower respiratory tract, including trachea and lungs. To do so, 12 adult giant anteaters from “Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de Goiânia” (CETAS-GO), Goiás State, Brazil, were used in the research after natural death or euthanasia. Three of these animals were used for macroscopic assessments; they were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and dissected. Trachea and lung tissue samples were collected from nine animals right after death and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histomorphological analysis; they were processed, embedded in paraffin, and inked with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson’s trichrome. The macroscopic analysis showed that the trachea in this species is proportionally short and presents from 19 to 27 tracheal cartilages. The right lung presents four lobes and the left one, two. The microscopic analysis evidenced respiratory epithelium of the ciliated cylindrical pseudostratified type, without evident goblet cells in the mucosa layer of the trachea and bronchi. The pulmonary visceral pleura is thick, similar to other large domestic mammals - complete septa extend from the pulmonary visceral pleura. In conclusion, the macroscopy and histomorphology of giant anteater’s lower respiratory tract, represented by trachea and lungs, are similar to that of other domestic and wild mammals. Pulmonary histomorphology is mainly similar to that of pigs and ruminants: it has thick visceral pleura that emits complete septa of conjunctive tissue, which enable lobular parenchymal architecture.

Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) populations are decreasing throughout their range. We tested a methodology for individual identification using camera records and fur patterns to estimate the giant anteater population in a protected area of the Brazilian Cerrado. We identified 9 adult individuals and successfully modeled population abundance and density. Our models estimated an adult population of 16.8 (range = 15–19) giant anteaters through a mark‐resight approach and 12.5 individuals (range = 9.7–25.5) through a spatially explicit capture‐recapture approach. Density estimates were 0.3–0.4 animals/km2. Using these estimates, we performed a population viability analysis to understand and predict this population's future. We modeled scenarios without direct effects and models simulating a double carrying capacity and the supplementation and removal of individuals. Even in the more optimistic scenarios, the population is predicted to decreases over time, with ≤8 individuals remaining in 100 years. Given the study area surroundings, realistic models include removals of giant anteaters in the population. Identification of giant anteaters using cameras can inspire conservationists to acquire population data throughout its distribution and obtain population trends to evaluate the species' conservation status. Individual identification of giant anteaters using a motion‐sensitive camera design is feasible, opens new avenues for population analyses, and allows the study of population trends in difficult regions. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. We used a motion‐sensitive camera design added to a new individual identification methodology for giant anteaters, used data from the identified individuals in 2 estimation approaches of abundance and density, and performed population viability analysis to check the persistence of this Brazilian Cerrado population. This approach has the potential to assist in the implementation of conservation actions for giant anteaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) returned to the category of vulnerable by the 2014 IUCN / SSC, due to the population reduction, less than 30%. The main reasons are: environmental degradation and fragmentation, being run over, burning, attacks by hunting dogs, illegal trade and diseases. It is very common to find these fractured patients and the treatment is mostly surgical. Amputation is indicated when there are extensive lacerations and when reconstructive surgery is not possible. The objective is to report a viable treatment option in fractured wild patients, contributing to the preservation of the species. Case: It was received at the Veterinary Hospital Dr. Halim Atique - UNIRP an young female giant anteater (M. tridactyla) weighing 5.75 kg, brought by the Environmental Forestry Police of the municipality of São José do Rio Preto - SP, found in the region of Olímpia at a gas station. The animal was traumatized by an agricultural harvester, with partial traumatic amputation in the left pelvic limb and tail. In the preoperative period, the patient was admitted to hospital under assisted care, analgesia and all the necessary support for stabilization. High amputation was performed, with hip disarticulation and treatment of the tail wound, which was initially opted for healing in the first intention, where sutures were used to approach the edges of the wound, but presented dehiscence and was treated as a second intention. There were almost 2 months of care with specific food, cleaning of the enclosures, medications and dressings. After 57 days of hospitalization, the patient was transferred to the Municipal Zoo of São José do Rio Preto - SP, where it was moved to a larger and ideal enclosure for the species, with other giant anteaters also rescued. Discussion: The rate of complex fractures in accidents with wild animals is high. Amputations are indicated for patients with extensive lacerations without possible reconstructions, the patient in the present study had partial amputation of the limb, and reconstruction was impossible. The amputation technique of choice was disarticulation of the hip, as it is important that the patient does not try to support the limb, to avoid further trauma. The adaptation of animals to amputation is satisfactory, however, it should be noted that these individuals must remain under observation in the postoperative period, must remain confined to small rooms to avoid complications such as hemorrhage, seroma, dehiscence and infection of the surgical wound. The multidisciplinary team specialized in the required areas must be trained for this type of service. Adaptation to the new hospital environment, adaptation without an amputated limb, different food from that found in nature, daily handling for dressings and the movement of people in the sector are precautions that we must have for the success of the treatment. The great challenge for the recovery of traumatized wild patients is capture stress, transport to the operating room, lack of adaptation to the hospital environment and use of protocols that are unsuitable for the species, factors that can compromise the success of the treatment. Amputation can be a viable treatment alternative for fractured giant anteaters, when bone reconstruction is not possible. The amputation was performed successfully, providing another opportunity for this patient and contributing to the preservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Renal dysplasia is a congenital disorder that occurs during differentiation of the renal parenchyma or as a consequence of a functional and/or structural obstruction of the lower urinary tract. In wild animals, this pathology has been reported in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) and African elephants (Loxodanta africana). However, there are no reports of the disease in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Thus, this paper describes a case of renal dysplasia in a free-living giant anteater cub, which was sent to the wild animal clinic of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT) in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil. Case: The rescued animal had a good body condition score and clinical parameters within the normal range for the species. After a routine clinical evaluation, the anteater cub was subjected to radiography and ultrasound tests. Blood tests, serum tests for hepatic and renal profiles, urinalysis, urinary protein creatinine ratio, and chest X-rays did not reveal significant changes. However, the abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a volumetric loss of about 1.17 cm in length in the left kidney, and a renal length to aortic artery diameter ratio of approximately 2.8. This kidney showed irregular contours, loss of corticomedullary demarcation, with preserved echogenicity and cortical echotexture. The right kidney showed the standard size of the species, with a length of approximately 3.08 cm. In view of the suspicion of renal dysplasia, a contrast-enhanced CT scan was performed in order to assess the dynamics of uptake and excretion of the contrast medium in the affected kidney and in the ipsilateral collecting system. An examination of the tomographic images indicated that the volume of the left kidney was reduced, isodense in relation to the right kidney, with discrete and homogeneous uptake in all phases after administration of the contrast medium, no occurrence of nephrogram and pyelogram phases, or any detection of contrast in the corresponding ureter. Discussion: Giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) are animals classified as a species vulnerable to extinction. Today, most research involving this species focuses on its ecology, behavior, diet, morphology and parasitology, but little is known about the imaging aspects of the species or about congenital changes such as renal dysplasia. Although the definitive diagnosis of this pathology depends on a histopathological examination, the same diagnosis can be made with a wide margin of safety by assessing the epidemiological aspects and the dynamics of renal uptake of the contrast medium through computed tomography. In this analysis, both vascularization and renal filtration capacity can be assessed. Thus, based on CT imaging, it was concluded that this was a case of renal dysplasia, since the left kidney showed a discrete homogeneous uptake stable in both the arterial and venous phases, without producing any accumulation of contrast medium in the pelvic region or the collecting system, proving to be completely nonfunctional. These findings differ from cases of renal hypoplasia, which, although they reduce renal volume, do not cause structural changes in the renal parenchyma or disturbances in the filtration dynamics of contrast media. They also differ from cases of acquired chronic nephropathy, since, albeit associated with reduced renal volume and changes in renal filtration dynamics, they produce different parenchymal ultrasound changes that usually occur in elderly animals and generally produce bilateral lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relatively recent surge in Aspidodera species descriptions suggests that several species are yet to be documented and properly described. We describe Aspidodera serrata n. sp. from the giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla from the Cerrado biome (Savanna), Brazil. The new species is distinctive in the genus because of the attributes of the cephalic cordons, position of pore-like papillae and a thickening of body cuticle. Because no male specimens were recovered from the host, morphological characteristics that are identical in both sexes and specific for the genus were fundamental during the identification. We emphasize the relevance of hood features and scanning electron microscopy to base descriptions in Aspidodera. We provide a new key for the genus to assist in the efforts to identify the species present in multiple infections. This is the first report of a coinfection with 3 congeners in the same individual host involving Aspidodera. We urge researchers to preserve and document the metazoan parasites from tetrapod species considered vulnerable, because they can be valuable sources of information on the distribution of parasites in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anorexic 5-yr-old female giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) developed multifocal ulcerative and vesicular lesions affecting the rostrum, oral cavity, and tongue. Disseminated skin lesions were also found on the body, affecting the feet, flanks, and genital area. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed a systemic viremic orthopoxvirus infection. Cowpox virus was considered to be the only likely etiological agent. Intensive supportive treatment, including daily fluid therapy, force-feeding, and anti-inflammatory administration achieved a successful outcome after 3 wk. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first time a giant anteater with severe orthopoxvirus lesions has survived the disease. This unique case discusses current and possible future therapeutic and prophylactic options for the treatment of orthopoxvirus infections in giant anteaters and other nondomestic animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaplasma marginale, a well-known cattle pathogen of tropical and subtropical world regions, has been previously molecularly characterized in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) from Corrientes, Argentina. Ticks or other hematophagous arthropod involved in the wild transmission cycle remained unknown. The aim of the present study was to analyze the simultaneous occurrence of A. marginale in blood samples and ticks from giant anteaters from Corrientes in order to investigate if ticks could be relevant in the transmission among these mammals. Blood samples from 50 giant anteaters collected in different years and 26 ticks Amblyomma dubitatum and A. sculptum were studied through the molecular amplification of two unequivocal species-specific genes from A. marginale: msp5 and msp1β. Twenty five giant anteaters and tick organs (salivary glands, gut and oviduct) from 11 ticks tested positive to the A. marginale DNA amplification. The further molecular characterization through MSP1a tandem repeats analysis revealed the presence of genotypes circulating among giant anteaters that had been previously identified in cattle blood samples from the same geographical region. These results confirm the presence of A. marginale in giant anteaters in Corrientes and suggests that A. dubitatum and A. sculptum ticks could be involved in the transmission among giant anteaters. Future studies will determine the role of these tick species in the wild transmission cycle in the study area and the eventual connection with the domestic cycle.

Abstract Road networks can have serious ecological consequences for many species, mainly through habitat fragmentation and mortality due to collisions with vehicles. One example of a species impacted by roads is the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), currently listed as Vulnerable by IUCN. Here we analysed the relative effect of fragmentation and mortality due to roads on giant anteater populations and show the critical areas for their persistence in Brazil. We estimated minimum patch size and maximum road density to evaluate the impact of the road network and observed road-kills on this species. We explored different scenarios by varying values of dispersal capacity to estimate the minimum patch size, and also of population densities to estimate maximum road density for giant anteater persistence. Our findings indicated that the minimum patch size can be from 498 to 247 km2 and the maximum road density can vary between 0.21 and 0.55 km/km2 in pessimist and optimistic scenarios, respectively. In Brazil, habitat fragmentation seemed to have a major impact over giant anteater populations. Habitat fragmentation due to roads seemed to have a more negative effect than mortality due to collisions with vehicles. Critical areas for the species persistence can represent 32% of its range in the optimistic scenario with 18% of suitable patches below the minimum size and 0.1% above the maximum road density. This study provides insights and implications for road networks on giant anteater populations in Brazil and guidance on road density and patch size thresholds for land managers and road agencies charged with planning ecologically sustainable roads in Brazil. Highlights • Habitat fragmentation can be more detrimental than road-kills. • Between 18% and 21% of suitable habitat is below the minimum patch size. • Between 0.1% and 1% of species range is above the maximum road density. • Critical areas for species persistence represent 32–36% of the species range. • Conservation opportunities exist in northern areas while southern needs mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelage patterns, colouration and other biometric traits are perceived to be uniform in the Neotropical giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), a conception precluding the identification of individuals, which is essential for field research on the little known aspects of the species’ ecology and behaviour. Here we present a new, non-invasive technique of matrix photo-identification to identify individual giant anteaters by their natural markings. In a long-term field study in the Brazilian Pantanal, photographs of 475 giant anteater observations (396 = direct sightings, 79 = camera traps) were captured from 2010 to 2015 and considered for our analysis. Photographs were stored in a catalogue and coded in a computerised identification table, with biometric traits being categorised and described for each observed individual in a matrix. In 71% of all photographed giant anteaters, differences in pelage marking patterns, as well as other characteristics such as ear shape and scars, allowed individual recognition. We ensured consistency of the method by conducting a double-blind verification by an experienced researcher and naïve volunteers. This simple, non-invasive method can push the level of information about life history and population structure of giant anteaters, as it applies to a large array of study designs. It can thus enhance future studies, be integrated in ongoing research projects or supply additional information out of older data sets. It is applicable to expand data collection and raise awareness in local communities, and potentially for participatory citizen science methods. Altogether these are important cornerstones for conservation actions on the species which is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira is the property of Colegio Brasileiro de Patologia Animal - CBPA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Hematological results are reported for 13 giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and 13 collared anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla). Animals were captive-reared adults held at the Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (São Paulo, SP, Brazil) and Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros (Sorocaba, SP, Brazil), and were considered healthy on physical examination. Examined parameters included red blood cell count, white blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, total plasmatic protein and differential leukocyte counts. Also, a survey for hemoparasites was done and none was observed in thin blood smears. The results were generally similar to those previously reported in the exiguous literature for these species, providing further reference data for the interpretation of laboratory results besides health monitoring, assisting early disease diagnosis and providing relevant information for conservation programs for these species.Obteve-se os valores hematológicos de 13 tamanduás-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) e 13 tamanduás-mirim (Tamandua tetradactyla) adultos e saudáveis segundo exame físico, oriundos de cativeiro, da Fundação Parque Zoológico de São Paulo (São Paulo) e do Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros (Sorocaba). Os parâmetros hematológicos estudados incluíram contagem total de eritrócitos e leucócitos, hematócrito, concentração de hemoglobina, volume corpuscular médio, hemoglobina corpuscular média, concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média, proteína plasmática total estimada e contagem diferencial de leucócitos. Também se realizou a pesquisa de hemoparasitas, não se encontrando nenhum nos esfregaços sanguíneos. De maneira geral, os valores obtidos não diferiram muito daqueles presentes na pouca literatura existente, contribuindo com dados adicionais para a interpretação de resultados laboratoriais, visando acompanhamento do estado sanitário, auxílio no diagnóstico de enfermidades e programas de conservação dessas espécies.

Because of their very large claws, Giant anteaters are quite dangerous animals. In this study the principles of Medical Training with Giant anteaters were worked out in order to obtain information about organ health and physical development of the animals without fixation. Anesthesia-free blood sampling was performed upon three trained animals, taken from the medial saphenous vein. In most cases, this vein could be palpated only, or the blood sampling had to be done “blind”. From 23 obtained blood samples the organ parameters, hemogram, taurine and coagulation parameters were determined . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anteater forelimbs are distinguished morphologically from domestic animals, especially due to their unique movement and their natural habits. A knowledge of the pectoral limb anatomy and the proper surgical approach are fundamental to success in osteosynthesis and other surgeries. This study aimed to describe the muscles and neurovascular structures of the pectoral limb and the surgical approach to the humeral shaft of the giant anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Dissections of the forelimbs of seven cadavers were performed to identify the major muscles and neurovascular structures. Three of these animals' contralateral forearms were used to simulate the surgical approach to the humeral shaft. Some specific characteristics of the muscle morphology were biceps muscle had two heads, triceps muscle had three heads, and there was an olecranon-epicondylar muscle. To expose the shaft of the humerus, it was necessary to incise the superficial pectoral muscle and separate the heads of the biceps muscle. Due to the anatomical characteristics of the humerus, the craniomedial approach was the most appropriate because it accommodated the anatomical peculiarities of the giant anteater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Anaplasma marginale is a well-known cattle pathogen of tropical and subtropical world regions. Even though, this obligate intracellular bacterium has been reported in other host species different than bovine, it has never been documented in Myrmecophaga tridactyla (giant anteater) or Hippocamelus antisense (taruca), which are two native endangered species. Methods: Samples from two sick wild animals: a Myrmecophaga tridactyla (blood) and a Hippocamelus antisense (blood and serum) were studied for the presence of A. marginale DNA through msp5 gene fragment amplification. Further characterization was done through MSP1a tandem repeats analysis and MLST scheme and the genetic relationship among previously characterized A. marginale sequences were studied by applying, eBURST algorithm and AMOVA analysis. Results: Anaplasma marginale DNA was identified in the Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Hippocamelus antisense samples. Through molecular markers, we identified an identical genotype in both animals that was not previously reported in bovine host. The analysis through eBURST and AMOVA revealed no differentiation between the taruca/ anteater isolate and the bovine group. Conclusions: In the present publication we report the identification of A. marginale DNA in a novel ruminant (Hippocamelus antisense) and non-ruminant (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) host species. Genotyping analysis of isolates demonstrated the close relatedness of the new isolate with the circulation population of A. marginale in livestock. Further analysis is needed to understand whether these two hosts contribute to the anaplasmosis epidemiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study 14 Giant Anteaters from Dortmund Zoo (Germany) were examined under different aspects. Examination of Giant Anteaters could be fatal to humans, if animals react aggressively or feel cornered. To reduce stress and hazard the principles of Medical Training were adapted to Giant Anteaters in this study. The Anteaters were conditioned and accustomed with the help of the training to regular clinical examinations, weight management, urine collection, and abdominal sonography. Thus, the authors were able to provide first data of unstressed Giant Anteaters with regards to body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. It was clearly demonstrated that the body temperature is dependent on the ambient temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant anteaters ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla) are specialized insectivores and consume mainly ants and termites in the wild. In captivity, giant anteaters are either fed a complete diet, or a combination of a domestic carnivore diet with leaf eater pellets, or a traditional gruel-type diet. Soft faeces are a frequently encountered problem with this type of feeding. In the present study, we analysed diet and faeces composition, calculated digestibility and measured mean retention time on various diets in eight giant anteaters (total of n = 64 experiments). The results suggest that the digestive physiology of giant anteaters is similar to that of domestic dogs and cats in terms of nutrient digestibility and digesta retention. When testing correlations between faecal dry matter content and other variables, no relationship with dietary crude fibre content or mean digesta retention time could be detected. However, acid insoluble ash intake was significantly and positively correlated with faecal dry matter content. The amount of acid insoluble ash excreted with the faeces was higher than that ingested with the diet offered, indicating that the giant anteaters ingested soil from their enclosure of up to 93 g per day. This finding is consistent with observation of faeces of wild giant anteaters that contain soil or sand most likely due to indiscriminate feeding. It also corresponds to reports that indigestible materials such as peat, soil, chitin or cellulose contribute to a firmer faecal consistency in various carnivore species. Therefore, offering giant anteaters the opportunity to voluntarily ingest soil from their enclosure might be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and is extinct in several locations as a result of environmental pressures. We present the first records of the giant anteater in the largest continuous expanse of the Atlantic Forest biome, in southern Brazil, highlighting its occurrence in the highlands of the Serra do Mar mountain range. During a camera-trapping survey of medium and large mammals we obtained two records of the species, one in 2013 and the other in 2014. These records from dense rainforest highlands indicate the importance of this environment for the giant anteater and highlight these areas as possible foci for future studies of the species. In addition, we present a review of the species’ occurrence in protected areas in Brazil, to provide a resource for the conservation of this species and for future re-evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Large mammals are elusive, often nocturnal, and therefore difficult to study. In many parks, reserves, agriculture lands, and other human-dominated landscapes, mammalian abundance is unknown despite their importance to ecosystems. The Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve of eastern Honduras has been the site of much research, but many rivers within the reserve have not been surveyed for mammalian diversity. In this study we used camera traps to survey an area of 70 km² along the Sikre River for mammals in both broad-leaf forest and pine savanna. 2,040 trap-nights yielded 116 captures in total. Fourteen mammal, three bird, and one reptile species were photographed in the broad-leaf forest, while none of the four camera stations in the pine savanna captured animals on film. The tapir (Tapirus bairdii) was the most frequently captured species. We also captured four photographs of at least two individuals of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), a species considered the most threatened mammal in Central America. Of the felids, Puma concolor and Leopardus pardalis were each captured on five photographs each, while Panthera onca was only captured once during a preliminary pilot survey in 2007. The results suggest the study site hosts a species richness of large- and medium-sized mammals that is comparable to other sites in Central and South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet of the jaguar Panthera onca in the Cerrado, central Brazil, was investigated based on a sample of genetically identified jaguar scats. At least nine prey species were observed in 35 scat samples. Giant anteaters Myrmecophaga tridactyla contributed more than 75 % of biomass to the observed diet. Tapirs Tapirus terrestris and peccaries Tayassu pecari and Pecari tajacu contributed approximately 6 % to jaguar diet each, and small mammals contributed least to the jaguar diet. At 0.121, dietary niche breadth was narrower than reported in most other studies. Due to their physical characteristics and abundance, giant anteaters are likely the most profitable prey for jaguars in Emas National Park, and as an important prey, they should be included in jaguar conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which reported the hematological results for 13 giant anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla and 13 collared anteaters, Tamandua tetradactyla from zoos in Brazil. The researchers examined different parameters, including the red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and hemoglobin concentration. A survey done for hemoparasites noted that none was observed in thin blood smears. The results were found to be similar to those previously reported in the literature for these species.

Giant anteaters ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla) are among those mammals for which a particularly low metabolism has been reported. In order to verify presumably low requirements for energy, we used eight anteaters (two males, six females; aged 1-14 years; body mass between 46 and 64 kg) in a total of 64 individual trials, in which a variety of intake levels was achieved on various diets. Digestible energy (DE) intake was quantified by measuring food intake and faecal excretion and analysing representative samples for gross energy, and animals were weighed regularly. Maintenance DE requirements were calculated by regression analysis for the DE intake that corresponded to zero weight change. Differences between individuals were significant. Older anteaters ( n = 3 animals aged 12-15 years in 29 trials) had lower relative requirements than younger ones ( n = 5 animals aged 1-7 years in 35 trials); thus, giant anteaters resemble other mammals in which similar age-specific differences in energy requirements are known. However, estimated maintenance requirements were 347 kJ DE/kg0.75/day in the anteaters, which is low compared to the 460-580 kJ DE/kg0.75/day maintenance requirements of domestic dogs. The lack of knowledge that metabolic requirements are below the mammalian average could make species particularly susceptible to overfeeding, if amounts considered adequate for average mammals were provided. Non-scientific reports on comparatively fast growth rates and high body masses in captive giant anteaters as compared to free-ranging animals suggest that body mass development and feeding regimes in captivity should be further assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Members of the family Myrmecophagidae (i.e. anteaters) show a variety of anatomical and behavioural adaptations to deal with their low-energy diet; for example, they all have low body temperatures in comparison with other eutherian mammals. In this study, we investigated the tympanic membrane temperatures ( Tmt) of two giant anteaters and three southern tamanduas, housed in captivity and exposed to natural climatic variations in temperature, using an infrared thermometer. Additionally, we measured external dorsal temperature ( Td), air temperature ( Ta), substrate temperature ( Ts) and whether the subject was active or not. To understand the effect of time of day on these variables, we recorded them, on the hour, over four 24-h cycles for each animal during which the subjects were non-restrained within their enclosures. The results show that both giant anteaters and southern tamanduas allow their Tmt to reduce between 4.0 and 6.5 °C when they are sleeping. Furthermore, linear regressions between Tmt and Ta or Ts showed that the giant anteaters were much more affected by Ta and Ts than the southern tamanduas. Both species also showed higher Tmt when active (comparing subjects active and inactive at the same Ta). Both species appear to use shallow torpor during a normal 24-h cycle probably as a means to economize energy. The torpor in giant anteaters occurred during the night when asleep, whereas in the southern tamanduas it occurred at any time of day when asleep. The giant anteaters appeared to be more directly affected by environmental temperature than the southern tamanduas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to correlate the activity and habitat use of a large and ecologically specialized mammal ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla) with the time of day and minimum daily temperature in Brazil's Pantanal wetland. Seven giant anteaters were fitted with very high frequency (VHF) radio transmitters and monitored from March to December 2001. The animal's state of activity or rest, time and ambient temperature were recorded in different patches of the study site, which were covered by a mosaic of vegetation types and several ponds. Whenever a giant anteater was inside a forest patch, the temperature inside and outside of the patch was also recorded. The temperatures throughout the day were recorded by the meteorological station at the study site. The period of greatest activity of giant anteaters started at 18:00 h on hot days, but whenever the daily minimum temperature declined, the species' activity began earlier. Giant anteaters use predominantly forest habitats for rest and open habitats for activity. The forest patches work as a temperature buffer, because they are cooler than the matrix of open habitats during the hot hours of the day and warmer than the matrix during the cold hours. Although the giant anteater is known to be associated with open habitats, this study indicates the need of preserving forest patches for the conservation of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ocurrence of Amblyomma calcaratum parasitizing giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is described in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

The article presents a case study of an adult male giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) with a disseminated lymphoma from the City Zoo of Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil. As mentioned, the postmortem examination showed that pale white to yellow, variably sized nodules infiltrated the heart, liver, and intestinal lymph nodes and histological examination revealed the presence of two distinct cell populations in the nodular region.

Anaplasma marginale, a well-known cattle pathogen of tropical and subtropical world regions, has been previously molecularly characterized in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) from Corrientes, Argentina. Ticks or other hematophagous arthropod involved in the wild transmission cycle remained unknown. The aim of the present study was to analyze the simultaneous occurrence of A. marginale in blood samples and ticks from giant anteaters from Corrientes in order to investigate if ticks could be relevant in the transmission among these mammals. Blood samples from 50 giant anteaters collected in different years and 26 ticks Amblyomma dubitatum and A. sculptum were studied through the molecular amplification of two unequivocal species-specific genes from A. marginale: msp5 and msp1β. Twenty five giant anteaters and tick organs (salivary glands, gut and oviduct) from 11 ticks tested positive to the A. marginale DNA amplification. The further molecular characterization through MSP1a tandem repeats analysis revealed the presence of genotypes circulating among giant anteaters that had been previously identified in cattle blood samples from the same geographical region. These results confirm the presence of A. marginale in giant anteaters in Corrientes and suggests that A. dubitatum and A. sculptum ticks could be involved in the transmission among giant anteaters. Future studies will determine the role of these tick species in the wild transmission cycle in the study area and the eventual connection with the domestic cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is classified as a vulnerable species on Brazil’s list of species at risk of extinction mainly due to deforestation and forest fires. This has contributed to a considerable increase in detailed clinical case records of the treatment of wild species at veterinary institutions. However, the paucity of serum biochemical profiles of healthy giant anteaters has made it difficult to evaluate these animals, preventing diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The objective of this work was to collect data about the biochemical profile of healthy giant anteaters from the Brazilian Cerrado raised in captivity, in order to better understand the physiological characteristics inherent to this species. Eighteen analytes from 12 healthy giant anteaters were measured. The following means and standard deviations were found in the biochemical analyses: albumin 3.29±0.33g/dL, ALT 15.49±7.98 IU/L, amylase 1037.92±149.04 IU/L, AST 21, 12±7.50 IU/L, total cholesterol 62.79±20.08mg/dL, HDL cholesterol 14.73±4.98mg/dL, LDL cholesterol 26.60±11.05mg/dL, VLDL cholesterol 2.14±1.06mg/dL, CK 111.61±70.16 IU/L, creatinine 1.05±0.37mg/dL, iron 194.64±81.17μg/dL, GGT 65.18±54.57 IU/L, glucose 103.71±29.63mg/dL, globulins 2.76±0.36g/dL, lipase 28.80±5.11 IU/L,TSP 6.05±0.56g/dL, triglycerides 10.71±5.29mg/dL, and urea 53.46±18.28mg/dL. The values found in this study can be used as references for the laboratory evaluation of giant anteaters living in conditions similar to those of this study. This is one of the first reports of biochemical examinations on giant anteaters of the Cerrado biome.

ABSTRACT: The giant anteater has specific anatomical adaptations resulting from its ant and termite feeding habits. The unique arrangement of its hyoid apparatus is essential for the ingestion of food. However, its description in the literature is based on fragments and fossils, making it difficult to determine existing anatomical details in live animals. Imaging techniques, which enable the topographical anatomy of animals to be examined noninvasively, provide essential information for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The aim of this study is to describe the bone contours in the hyoid apparatus of the giant anteater by means of radiographic and tomographic images. Giant anteaters of varying ages from the Wild Animal Screening Center (CETAS-GO) were used, seven for X-ray exams and two adults for CT exams. The hyoid elements in all the animals were evaluated using the two imaging techniques, and were visualized in the cervical region of C2 to C6, which comprises three paired bones (stylohyoid, epihyoid, ceratohyoid) and one unpaired bone (basihyoid). The presence of air in the oropharynx enabled the assessment of soft tissue structures in this region, such as the epiglottis and the soft palate. CT axial sections are of limited usefulness for evaluating the hyoid bones, but enable assessments of the basihyoid bone and its characteristic V-shape. Thus, to analyze the hyoid region in anteaters based on radiographic and tomographic images, one must keep in mind that the stylohyoid, epihyoid and ceratohyoid bones are situated ventrally to the C2 to C5 vertebrae and that the basihyoid at the level of C5-C6 demarcates the transition between the nasopharynx and the trachea. The nasopharynx and oropharynx extend from C1 to C5, and the trachea begins at the level of C6.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to describe the number of thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae in tridactyla through radiographic examinations associated with gross anatomy determination. For this purpose, 12 adult specimens of M. tridactyla were analyzed, assigned to the Screening Center of Wild Animals (CETAS), IBAMA-GO, and approved by the Ethics Committee on the Use of Animals (Process CEUA-UFG nr 018/2014). In the radiographic examinations the following numbers of thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) vertebrae were observed: 16Tx2L (n=7), 15Tx2L (n=3), and 15Tx3L (n=2). In contrast, the numbers of vertebrae identified by anatomical dissection were as follows: 16Tx2L (n=4), 15Tx2L (n=3), and 15Tx3L (n=5). This difference occurred in cases of lumbarization of thoracic vertebrae, as seen in three specimens, and was explained by changes in regional innervations identified by anatomical dissection and the presence of floating ribs (right unilateral=1, left unilateral=1 and bilateral=1), which were not identified by radiographic exams. Regarding the sacral vertebrae there was no variation depending on the methods used, which allowed the identification of 4 (n=1) or 5 (n=11) vertebrae. Thus, we concluded that there is variation in the number of thoracic, lumbar and sacral vertebrae, in addition to lumbarization, which must be considered based on the presence of floating ribs, in this species.