World Anteater Day | What are Anteaters ? | Anteater…
World Anteater Day | What are Anteaters ? | Anteater Species
November 19, 2025
World Anteater Day | Giant Anteater | Anteater Species
World Anteater Day is celebrated on November 19 every Year. The day aims to raise awareness about Anteater conservation, their unique ecology, and the threats they face in the wild. This day highlights the importance of conserving anteater species, especially the giant anteater. The giant anteater is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss, wildfires, and illegal hunting. Anteaters are native to Central and South America, with each species having specific ranges within this region.
Furthermore, the day promotes awareness about their declining population. It also educates people about their habitats, behavior, and ecological importance. Moreover, the day helps conservation organizations raise funds for protection programs.
History of World Anteater Day
Originally, World Anteater Day was proposed by the Jurumi Institute with support from the Tamanduá Project under the leadership of Rodrigo Viana and Flávia Miranda. The IUCN later recognized November 29 as International Anteater Day, and these two Brazilian conservation organizations formally established it. The idea quickly moved from concept to reality, and the world celebrated the first official event in 2014.
In 2016, the Jurumi Institute and the Tamanduá Project strengthened their partnership by signing a collaborative document. This agreement aligned their conservation goals for World Anteater Day and, consequently, created a unified approach to global anteater awareness and protection. Over time, the date shifted, and now the world celebrates the event on November 19 each year.
World Anteater Day 2018 carried even greater importance because conservation groups also marked it as the Year of the Anteater. This decision highlighted the ecological value of anteaters and emphasized the urgent need for stronger conservation efforts. Today, the annual celebration continues to serve as a powerful platform for public education, habitat conservation advocacy, and efforts to reduce human–wildlife conflict to protect anteater populations worldwide.
What are Anteaters?
Anteaters are specialized mammals that feed mainly on ants and termites. They belong to the order Pilosa and the suborder Vermilingua, which means “worm tongue.” Their long snouts, sticky tongues, and powerful claws help them break into insect nests and eat thousands of insects every day.
They have no teeth. Instead, they rely on their tongues, which can reach up to 60 cm, to capture prey quickly. Their thick fur protects them from insect bites. Anteaters live in forests, grasslands, and savannas across Central and South America.
There are four Anteater species.
These species include Giant Anteater, Silky Anteater, Northern Tamandua, and Southern Tamandua.
Anteaters belong to the family Myrmecophagidae. There are four species of anteaters. Each species has unique traits. They all depend on forests, savannas, and grasslands for survival.
Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
The Giant Anteater is the largest species. It can grow up to 2 meters in length. Its long tail helps with balance and protection. The species lives in Central and South America. However, it is listed as Vulnerable due to habitat destruction and fires. The Giant Anteater spends most of its time on the ground. Additionally, it has a strong sense of smell but very poor eyesight. It eats ants and termites using its long, sticky tongue. The species plays a major role in controlling insect populations.
Silky Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus)
The Silky Anteater is the smallest anteater. It weighs only about 200 grams. This species lives in the rainforest canopy of Central and South America. Its golden fur gives it a silky appearance. Because it is arboreal, it spends most of its life in trees. It uses its prehensile tail for balance and stability. Although it is very agile. The species is difficult to study due to its secretive nature. As a result, scientists still know little about its population status.
Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana)
The Northern Tamandua is medium-sized. It has distinctive black markings on its body, which looks like a vest. It lives in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. The species uses both trees and the ground for feeding. Moreover, it can defend itself with strong forelimbs and sharp claws. It mainly eats ants and termites. However, it sometimes eats bees as well. Although it is not considered endangered, habitat loss continues to affect its distribution.
Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla)
The Southern Tamandua lives in South America. It shares many traits with the Northern Tamandua. It has a strong tail, curved claws, and a long snout. The species lives in forests, savannas, and swamps. It climbs trees easily. Nevertheless, it also searches for insects on the ground. The Southern Tamandua is more tolerant of habitat changes than the Giant Anteater. Even so, road accidents and deforestation remain serious threats.
Why Anteaters Need Protection?
Anteaters face multiple threats. Forest fires destroy their habitat. Roads cause frequent accidents. Dogs attack them in rural areas. Additionally, illegal wildlife trade puts pressure on young individuals. Climate change also affects their food supply. Therefore, conservation programs must continue. Protecting anteaters helps maintain healthy ecosystems. Their presence controls insect populations naturally.
Anteater Conservation
Anteater conservation focuses on protecting all four anteater species from growing environmental threats. These threats include habitat loss, road accidents, wildfires, dog attacks, and illegal trafficking. As forests shrink, anteaters lose access to food and shelter. They also face more contact with humans, which increases conflict. Therefore, conservation actions must address both habitat protection and community awareness.
Jurumi Institute, Tamanduá Project, and World Anteater Day
Several international organizations are actively working to protect anteaters across Central and South America. The Jurumi Institute in Brazil leads major conservation programs by rescuing injured giant anteaters, monitoring wild populations, and running awareness campaigns. Similarly, the Tamanduá Project focuses on scientific research, GPS tracking, and conflict reduction while also playing a vital role in establishing World Anteater Day.
Anteaters & Highways Project and Giant Anteater Conservation Program
The Anteaters & Highways Project addresses road mortality by identifying dangerous road sections, recommending wildlife crossings, and influencing highway policies. Additionally, the Giant Anteater Conservation Program in Brazil and Paraguay rescues orphaned anteaters, rehabilitates them, and releases them into safe habitats.
The IUCN Anteater, Sloth, and Armadillo Specialist Group (ASASG) strengthens global conservation by assessing anteater species status and developing action plans. Moreover, wildlife rescue centers across Latin America provide medical care to injured animals affected by fires, dog attacks, and road accidents. International zoos and conservation foundations also contribute by supporting research, funding fieldwork, and promoting public awareness. Together, these organizations form a strong conservation network that safeguards anteaters and their habitats.
Editor In Chief
Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.
