First record of the threatened Giant Anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758 (Xenarthra, Myrmecophagidae), at the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Poço Fundo in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Abstract

Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758, Giant Anteater, is a very sensitive species in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, a region of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais responsible for a large part of the country’s iron ore production. Information on the occurrence of this species in the area is limited to literature reviews, data papers, and interviews. Here, we present the first record of M. tridactyla from the Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Poço Fundo (a natural heritage private reserve) and what is likely to be only the fifth record from the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region. We highlight the importance of larger, connected areas for the long-term survival of this threatened species.