The dark morph of the southern tamandua is a rare variation of this anteater species, typically found in South American forests and savannas (this one in the upper Amazon basin of Peru). While most tamanduas have a pale coat with a black vest-like marking, the dark morph features much deeper overall coloring, sometimes appearing almost entirely chocolate brown or black. This unique coloration may offer better camouflage in dense, shaded rainforest environments. Like all tamanduas, the dark morph uses its powerful forelimbs and long claws to tear into termite mounds and ant nests, then slurps up insects with its long, sticky tongue. Seeing one in the wild is a special treat given how elusive and uncommon they are. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 500mm lens, ISO 1600, f/5.6 at 1/800th of a second.
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The dark morph of the southern tamandua is a rare variation of this anteater species, typically found in South American forests and savannas (this one in the upper Amazon basin of Peru). While most tamanduas have a pale coat with a black vest-like marking, the dark morph features much deeper overall coloring, sometimes appearing almost entirely chocolate brown or black. This unique coloration may offer better camouflage in dense, shaded rainforest environments. Like all tamanduas, the dark morph uses its powerful forelimbs and long claws to tear into termite mounds and ant nests, then slurps up insects with its long, sticky tongue. Seeing one in the wild is a special treat given how elusive and uncommon they are. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 500mm lens, ISO 1600, f/5.6 at 1/800th of a second.
Wonderful Sighting for you (and your fans!) That gorgeous fur looks soft enough to sleep on! (Hope ttjey aren’t hunted for it.)
A gorgeous coat and those nails!