Distribución geográfica y estado de conocimiento de las especies del género Tamandua (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae) en Colombia

Abstract

The limited scientific information available for the genus Tamandua in Colombia results in little interest towards these species. For this reason, this article presents a compilation and analysis of information to establish the geographic distribution, state of knowledge, and research priorities of the species of this genus in Colombia. The collected data indicate that their distribution includes almost the entire Colombian territory and all biogeographic regions of the country. Tamandua mexicana is distributed in Caribe, Pacífico, and Andes regions, and T. tetradactyla in Orinoquia, Amazonia, and the Central Cordillera. We registered an area of possible sympatry between the two species in the departments of Cundinamarca, Huila, Valle del Cauca, Caldas, and Quindío. We found seven specific studies, which indicates a state of poor knowledge. These studies were mainly based on their diet and the presence of ectoparasites. We hope these results will promote interest in establishing research priorities that cover biological and ecological aspects of these anteaters in Colombia.