The Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) is an animal often found roaming around Isla Palenque. The name is derived from two Tupi Indian words: Taa meaning “ant” and Mandeu meaning “trap.” They can be found from Mexico all the way down to Ecuador. Their bodies can be 21 to 31 inches long, but add an extra 15 inches for the tail.
These animals have a very unique appearance and are unmistakable if you come across one in the jungle. They have a long snout and a partially prehensile tail, as well as massive clawed hands that are great for gripping onto tree branches. They are white all over except for what looks like a black vest that covers their chest and back. They can be distinguished from their southern counterpart by the V of black fur on their back. They spend 13-64% of their time in trees.
They have no actual teeth! Instead they have a very long, sticky tongue that comes out of their mouth , which only opens about the diameter of a pencil. The tongue can be up to 40 centimeters and has hairs all over it that point toward the mouth, which helps scoop those ants down their powerful gizzard, which breaks them up.
True to their name, they feast upon ants as well as termites. Their claws help them rip into trees and logs to find nests. They do not hunt at random; they have an organized method when looking for meals. They typically visit ant and termite nests along a straight line, ensuring that they do not hit the same nest twice. And only stay at each for a few minutes, so they can eat and move on before the ants or termites attack them back.
They are normally very docile animals. However, if they feel threatened they will use their sharp claws to defend themselves. So when visiting Isla Palenque, be sure to keep a look out for them, and keep a respectful distance.
It isn’t difficult to respect these creatures when you learn that they eat up to 9,000 insects each day! Unless you delight in encounters with army ants and love to be surrounded by bugs, you’ll quickly fall in love with the Northern Tamandua Anteater for gobbling up the pest population. He’s very important to the various ecosystems of Panama he inhabits, from rainforests to cloud forests to mangrove wetlands.
TAGS: Isla Palenque Nature Panama Panama Wildlife Wildlife
These anteaters make for a good introduction to wildlife-spotting in Panama. Since they’re so recognizable, they make for a quick ID. It’s a good feeling when you’re certain of the species you spotted; I’ve had less-satisfying encounters in national parks throughout the US. I’ll see some gopher-like creature or an unfamiliar variety of duck or loon, and have no idea what I saw.
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