Costa Rica's Anteaters: Your Ultimate Field Guide

Anteaters are unique mammals known for their long snouts and sticky tongues, perfect for slurping ants and termites. They come in different sizes and live in various habitats, from forests to grasslands. In Costa Rica, an anteater is called oso hormiguero, which literally translates to “ant-eating bear.” Anteaters are an integral part of the ecosystem, with each species adapted to its own niche in the environment.

Let's take a closer look at these intriguing animals which will delight any nature-lover in Costa Rica .

Costa Rica is home to three types of anteaters, with the lesser anteater being the most commonly spotted in our national parks. Here's a quick recap of each species.

• Giant Anteater: Recognizable by its imposing size, the giant anteater possesses a tongue that can extend up to two feet. This species is rarely seen.
• Northern Tamandua: Also known as the collared or lesser anteater in English, this species is the most common in Costa Rica's forests. However, it may not always be easy to spot in the wild. With its golden fur and adept climbing abilities, it navigates the trees of Costa Rica with ease.
• Silky Anteater: Known for its diminutive size and soft, golden fur, the silky anteater relies on its tail to maneuver through the jungles of Costa Rica in search of insects.

Anteaters vary in appearance, but they all have unique traits that help them excel at eating ants and termites. One important feature is their lack of teeth, which might seem odd at first. However, this adaptation actually aids in their feeding process. Without teeth, anteaters use their long tongues to easily collect ants and termites from nests, while their strong claws assist in digging.

Giant anteaters are the biggest of the anteater family, growing up to six feet long, with distinctive bushy tails and sporting a black and white stripe pattern on their shoulders for camouflage. Tamanduas are smaller anteaters, reaching about four feet in length. They have slim bodies, tails that can grip things, and a unique fur pattern. Silky anteaters are the smallest ones, measuring about 17 inches long, blending in with their surroundings thanks to their soft yellow fur. Additionally, this thick fur provides protection from insect bites and harsh weather conditions. 

Anteaters prefer solitude and establish their own territories within their habitats. They live in a wide range of forest types, including mangrove, semi-deciduous, and tropical evergreen forests. While the lesser anteater frequents trees, the giant anteater roams open areas. To prevent falling from trees, anteaters rely on their long tails for extra support, securely gripping branches.

Anteaters, like sloths, have a slow pace and sleep a lot during the day. Giant anteaters dig holes to curl up in, using their bushy tails for warmth. They're active during the cool daytime and at night when it's warmer. Tamanduas sleep in trees and wake up quickly at any sound. They're solitary and mostly active at night, coming down from trees to feed.

Their name speaks volumes about their diet: it's all about ants and termites, but they also enjoy fruits and eggs. And they have interesting ways to stay safe and find food! When they feel scared, they stand up on their hind legs and use their claws to protect themselves. Giant anteaters use their strong tails for balance, while tamanduas and silky anteaters rely on their tails for support. Their arms are very strong, and their hands are perfect for grabbing things. Their claws are sharp and fold neatly away when not in use, but they're great for breaking into ant and termite mounds. Tamanduas have a special way to defend themselves: they can release a stinky spray from their scent glands, similar to a skunk.

Anteaters also have an amazing sense of smell, which helps them sniff out different types of ants and termites. They only spend a short time eating from each nest, taking a few thousand insects before moving on. By not eating too much from one place, they make sure there's always enough food left for later. Ants and termites can bounce back quickly from these small losses.

When female anteaters are ready to mate, they give off a special smell that attracts the males. Lesser anteaters mate and carry their babies for 120 to 150 days. Giant anteaters have a similar gestation period, but much about their wild reproduction remains a mystery. Females give birth to just one baby after about 190 days. It's believed they reach adulthood between two and half and four years old. Silky anteaters, on the other hand, have a shorter gestation period of about 120 to 150 days.

Typically, after birth, the baby climbs onto mom's back, clinging to her fur for warmth and camouflage, staying protected for several months to a year. With excellent camouflage against the mother, once fully grown, anteaters venture off independently into the wild.

If you're eager to see anteaters in Costa Rica, your best bet is to visit the country's national parks and forests. Giant anteaters are tough to spot and mainly seen on the Osa Peninsula , while silky and lesser anteaters are widespread. Lesser anteaters typically hang out near rivers and dense vegetation.

Keep an eye out for them in well-known places like Corcovado National Park , Barra Honda, Guanacaste , Santa Rosa National Park , Palo Verde , Braulio Carrillo, and Manuel Antonio National Park . To maximize your chances of spotting anteaters, consider joining a guided hike led by wildlife experts. They know where to look and make wildlife spotting easier and enjoyable!

Certain anteater species face threats due to habitat loss, prompting Costa Rica's efforts to safeguard their habitats and raise awareness for their protection. Giant anteaters, in particular, are at risk of extinction in Costa Rica due to habitat loss. While neither the silky nor lesser anteater is currently considered threatened, habitat destruction remains a significant concern for the species survival.

• Close cousins: Did you know that sloths and armadillos are the closest relatives to anteaters?
• Long noses, big smells: Every anteater marks its territory with special, smelly secretions. Talk about leaving a lasting impression!
• Faster than a speeding bullet: When they're spooked, anteaters can run surprisingly fast, clocking speeds of up to 30 mph.
• Incoming baby: Female anteaters have a unique birthing style. They give birth standing up, using their tail for support.
• Forest elders: In the wild, anteaters typically live for about 10 to 15 years. That's a lot of time for snacking on ants and termites!