02/06/2026
Southern Tamandua Skull
BC-367
The southern tamandua, the arboreal relative of the anteater, is a medium-sized xenarthran mammal (ancient Greek for unusual joint—in reference to extra vertebral joints unique from other mammals) native to South America. Adults typically measure between 21 – 31 in in body length, with an additional 15 – 23 in long prehensile tail, and weigh about 10lbs. The body is covered with coarse, brown to yellowish hair, with a vest-like black marking over the shoulders and torso. The skull is elongated and narrow, with a reduced mandible. Tamanduas are edentulous, lacking teeth entirely. Instead, they possess a long, cylindrical tongue—up to 40 cm in length—that is coated in sticky saliva to trap insects.