Assessment of Feeding Behavior of the Zoo-Housed Lesser Anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) and Nutritional Values of Natural Prey

Abstract

Very little information is available to zoo managers on the nutritional preferences of the lesser anteater, a highly specialized predator. By studying lesser anteater feeding behavior, we expect to contribute to improved management decisions and individual welfare experiences. We studied the response of zoo-housed lesser anteaters (n = 7) to feeders with live ants (Acromyrmex lundi) and termites (Cortaritermes fulviceps), and we also evaluated the nutritional values of these prey. We individually evaluated each lesser anteater (3 sessions), recording activities by camera. We ground insect samples into a coarse meal and evaluated in vitro biochemical parameters (humidity, lipids proteins, ash, and carbohydrates). Lesser anteaters spent more time with termites than with ants and consumed more termites. Ant meal presented a higher protein and lipid content than termite meal (35.28 ± 0.18% vs. 18.19 ± 0.34% and 16.95 ± 0.13% vs. 6.54 ± 0.31%, respectively), and carbohydrate digestibility was higher in termites. These findings indicate an association between the level of insect consumption and nutritional and digestibility values. This is the first exploration of lesser anteater responses to the presence of social insects in feeders and may serve to guide the study of food preferences in captivity.

Video Validation of Tri-Axial Accelerometer for Monitoring Zoo-Housed Tamandua tetradactyla Activity Patterns in Response to Changes in Husbandry Conditions

“…In order to evaluate fluctuations in the X, Y and Z data series (accelerometer) in relation to changes in the orientation of the animals’ movements (video), each lesser anteater (N = 10) was subjected to a 20 min test in an experimental room during August–September 2019. The experimental room (surface: 3 × 3 m; height: 2.4) was located in the laboratory next to the animal enclosures; more details can be found in the work of Zárate et al [ 34 , 35 ]. The room had 4 homogeneous walls, a cement floor and a single entrance through a door, and was under controlled lighting and temperature conditions.…”