Palm bear (anthill)
Common names: anteater, palmero bear, giant anthill, giant anteater ..
Corpulent species that measures between one and two meters in total length, with a non-prehensile tail of up to 0.6 to 0.9 m and a weight of 22-39 kg. Its coat is thick, and it becomes longer is the dorsal and ventral areas, as well as in the tail; dark dorsally except for the head and forelimbs, with a broad band of black color bordered by two white or whitish above and below the first, extending from the throat and chest backwards and narrowing to the middle body, forming a triangle. Face much longer than the skull box. Its three enormous and powerful claws in the forelimbs serve to break and explore the nests of ants, which are their main food and, to a lesser extent, termites.
The main threats facing the species in Venezuela are related to frequent winding of roads in the country, as well as hunting for whim or entertainment, as well as being used as a source of food by indigenous communities. These people also take advantage of their tendons for the manufacture of hunting instruments, in addition to maintaining the belief that some parts of their body are aphrodisiac (Rodríguez, J. P. and Rojas-Suárez 2003). In addition, their hooves are used in the development of spurs for the legs of fighting cocks, or are sold as part of pieces of craftsmanship.
