Potential Agonistic Courtship and Mating Behavior between Two Adult Giant Anteaters ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla )

Abstract

The reproductive behavior of giant anteaters is rarely seen and, as a consequence, hard to study. Most of the few reports that exist are based on observations in captivity. In July 2014, we witnessed what could be Myrmecophaga tridactyla courtship and mating behavior in Goiás State, Brazil. Although the couple showed aggressive mating behavior, the offspring was able to stay on its mother's back throughout the entire ritual. This report clarifies how, behaviorally, wild giant anteaters mate and suggests that aggressiveness can be present during courtship at least when the female is carrying an offspring. This kind of observation is very difficult to obtain; without long-term monitoring studies, it simply becomes a matter of luck.