Home range of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil

Abstract

To obtain data on home range, movements, activity and habitat use by giant anteaters Myrmecophaga tridactyla, seven animals were captured, radio-collared and monitored from March to December 2001 in a 104-km 2 study area in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Four of five males used areas that covered 4.0-7.5 km 2 (5.7 ± 1.7 km 2 ), and one of two females monitored occupied a larger area (11.9 km 2 ) than the males, but none of the curves of cumulative area unequivocally reached the asymptote. Generally, there was considerable overlap among individual areas used. The home-range estimates were calculated using the 100% minimum convex polygon, and 95% adaptive kernel methods. The areas used by the giant anteaters in the Pantanal wetland were larger than home ranges of giant anteaters in the Serra da Canastra National Park, Brazil. The habitat types were generally used in the same order as they occurred in each home range. Two giant anteaters previously monitored with VHF radio-telemetry were subsequently tracked with a modified global positioning (GPS) system in different periods. The modified GPS acquired data on activity and habitat use for c. 9 days. Giant anteaters did not show a similar pattern of habitat use during the period of study using the modified GPS unit, but their activity patterns were similar. One of the ranges recorded over 9 days with this method was larger than the range obtained over 252 days by standard VHF radio-telemetry.

Buffer zone use by mammals in a Cerrado protected area

“…The large amount of continuous native vegetation within JES and LAES (77%), probably makes the area within their perimeters a highly favourable environment for these species for several reasons, including thermoregulation (Camilo-Alves & Mourã o 2006), shelter and feeding (Oliveira 1994, Emmons & Feer 1997, Murray & Gardner 1997, Medri & Mourã o 2005. However, large mammals inhabiting the Cerrado might not be able to survive in the long term solely within protected areas (Massara et al 2012).…”

A brief note on the sleeping habits of the giant anteater - Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus (Xenarthra, Myrmecophagidae)

“…A study was conducted in 2001 in the Pantanal wetlands of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (18°59'S, 056°39'W), Brazil, involving the capture of giant anteaters, which were outfitted with radio transmitters and then released to monitor their movements and estimate their home ranges (MOURÃO & MEDRI 2002, MEDRI & MOURÃO 2005. However, other types of behavior were also recorded and are discussed here.…”

“…Forest fragments in the Pantanal can provide a safe resting place for giant anteaters because of the presence of dense clumps of spiny bromeliads, Bromelia balansae Mez (Bromeliaceae). Also, temperatures inside forest fragments are usually mild when compared with open habitats (MEDRI & MOURÃO 2005).…”

Distribuição Histórica e Recente deMyrmecophaga tridactylaLinnaeus, 1758 (Pilosa, Myrmecophagidae) no Estado do Paraná, Brasil

“…The cat food is an important supplement (replacing the previously used dog food) as it contains the amino acid taurine which is beneficial for vision and avoidance of cardiomyiopathy. REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY: Camilo-Alves & Miranda reported a sex ratio of 2 males to 1 female in the Brazilian Pantanal, though this was less than the 3:1 ratio reported for the same area by Medri & Mourão (2005b). A male biased sex ratio has been frequently reported in this species, but CamiloAlves & Miranda warned that this may be an artefact of sampling by day if, as they suspected, males are more diurnally active than females.…”

“…It also means that habitat preference may be seasonally affected by temperature. Mourão & Medri (2005b) had earlier noted that the presence of spiny ground bromeliads Bromelia balansae Mez in forest patches may also provide protection.…”