Funny tamandua — a thunderstorm of ants and a problem for predators
Nature is a creator with an incredible imagination and a wonderful sense of humor. Otherwise, how to explain the existence of such animals as Tamandua. This small animal from the family of anteaters is funny, awkward and clumsy. At the same time, he is perfectly adapted to life in this inhospitable world, unlike the beautiful and intelligent us.
The four-toed tamandua anteater does not belong to the forest giants. Its body is from 54 to 88 cm in length, not counting the half-meter tail. Its weight rarely exceeds 5 kg. The small mouth of this animal, located at the end of a muzzle elongated like a trunk, is not adapted for bites. Only a bee passes into it without any problems. Tamandua walks slowly, and his running can hardly be called even a parody of the real one.
Nevertheless, this animal beat many in the difficult game "evolution" and feels great almost all over South America. On the continent, Tamandua cannot be found except in Chile, where the climate does not resemble it. What is the secret of the survival of this animal that looks like a sad lame clown?
You need to start with the fact that Tamandua is not too picky about food. Its diet includes ants, termites and, sometimes, wild bees. In South America, this good is enough, so it is extremely rare for the beast to starve. Its long, probe-like tongue, reaching a length of 40 cm, deftly penetrates anthills, termite mounds and hives.
However, tamandua has a good appetite too. It is unknown how, but scientists have calculated that one animal eats an average of 9,000 ants per day. In the extraction of food, the anteater is assisted by sharp 10-centimeter claws, with which it crushes anthills and termite mounds. It is not only a tool for food extraction, but also an effective weapon. It is thanks to its sickle-like claws that tamandua resists predators that are much larger and stronger.
Tamandua, cornered, turns into a real berserker. He is capable of ripping open the belly of a predator or slashing his muzzle to a pulp. Therefore, there are not so many people who want to eat a forest slow walker in the jungle. However, the claws are also the trouble of this beast. He is forced to move, bending them inwards. Because of this, he has such a slow and uncertain gait.
Because of its paws, poorly adapted for ground movement, the animal prefers to move through trees. Claws and a long muscular tail help him well in this. Tamandua feels more confident in the branches and moves much faster.
The four-toed anteater has one unpleasant secret. In case of danger, the beast emits a disgusting aerosol from special glands, which, they say, even a skunk did not dream of. Because of this, Tamandua has a reputation as a stinky and quarrelsome harsh guy. That's partly how it is. Anteaters are not very friendly even with their fellows. When animals meet in the forest, they usually pretend not to notice each other.
The exception is the mating period, when Tamandua find a mate. But they are not made for family life and break up soon after mating. These animals treat people kindly. They can easily be tamed and kept in the yard of the estate like a dog. However, it is better not to let a four-toed anteater into the house.
As we have already said, this animal is a professional exterminator. Many people try to use it to get rid of ants, termites or cockroaches in the house. But tamandua has one feature — extreme purposefulness. This is not always good, because in pursuit of elusive prey, he will use his claws and pass through the sofa or partition like a terminator. Therefore, it is better for people who value their surroundings not to contact such an assistant.
Tamandua wants to stroke and cuddle, but other supermen from the world of mammals, naked diggers, do not want to touch even with a wand.