Species Spotlight: Northern Tamandua

Introduction of the Species

The Northern Tamandua is one of those rainforest animals that feels like a gift when you find one. It does not show up with the fanfare of a macaw, but once you see that long snout, curved claws, and slow deliberate climb, you know you are looking at something special.

Physical Description

This medium-sized anteater has a pale body with a dark vest-like pattern across the back and shoulders, a long snout, strong claws, and a prehensile tail. It is beautifully odd, which is often the best kind of wildlife.

Native Habitat

It occurs in tropical forest, secondary woodland, and other wooded habitats, spending time both in the trees and on the ground. In Costa Rica it is one of those mammals that can turn an already good day into a very good one.

Where They Are Found in Central and South America

The Northern Tamandua ranges from Mexico through Central America and into northwestern South America, including Costa Rica.

Food and Eating Habits

It feeds primarily on ants and termites, locating nests by scent and using its claws and long sticky tongue to extract prey. It is highly specialized, which makes it all the more fascinating to photograph.

Known Lifespan

Reported lifespan figures commonly fall around 7 to 10 years, though I would still keep that phrasing broad in polished copy.

Join Us in Costa Rica

A tamandua sighting is the kind of thing that reminds photographers why they travel. It is unexpected, unusual, and wonderfully Costa Rican. On our Costa Rica photo workshop, we go looking for more than just the obvious stars. That is exactly why the trip is so rewarding.