First record of giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla - Myrmecophagidae) in Campos das Vertentes, Minas Gerais

Abstract

The species Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Myrmecophagidae, is widely distributed in the Neotropics regions and is popularlyknown as the giant anteater. It is considered a generalist species regarding habitat and can be found in human-modifiedareas such as pastures and crops. However, there is limited information about the species in agricultural ecosystems. Dueto its threatened status and the absence of records in the Campos das Vertentes region, which has only 1.04% of its areaincluded in Conservation Units, this study aimed to report the unprecedented occurrence of M. tridactyla in the municipalityof Ritápolis, Campos das Vertentes, Minas Gerais, in a transitional region between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado. Twooccasional records were made on a rural road in this municipality. Therefore, this record increases our knowledge about thespatial distribution of M. tridactyla in the state of Minas Gerais, provides information about the species in human-modifiedlandscapes, and supports the need for more Conservation Units in the Campos das Vertentes region.