On the conservation of Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae) in the core of Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras

Researchers document the first recorded sightings of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) within the core zone of Honduras' Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (RPBR), a critical biodiversity hotspot. Using 24 camera traps deployed over 1,512 hours between May 2017 and January 2019, the study captured two images of the species, highlighting its presence in this protected area. The findings underscore the RPBR's role in safeguarding vulnerable species like the giant anteater, which faces threats from illegal hunting, agricultural expansion, and unsustainable resource exploitation. Conservation efforts targeting M. tridactyla could also benefit other endangered species, including the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), and jaguar (Panthera onca). The study emphasizes the need for stronger protection measures to mitigate human-induced pressures in this UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve.

Martinez, M. A., Turcios-Casco, M. A., & Amador, S. P. (2020). On the conservation of Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae) in the core of Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, Honduras. Mammalia, 84(6), 581–585. https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2019-0152