The giant anteater is native to Central and South America.
Its known range stretches from Honduras to northern Argentina, and fossil remains have been found as far north as northwestern Sonora, Mexico.
It is largely absent from the Andes and has been extirpated in Uruguay.
It may also be extirpated in Belize, Costa Rica, and Guatemala.
The species is found in a number of habitats including both tropical rainforest and xeric shrubland, provided enough prey is present to sustain it.

The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, due to the number of regional extirpations, and under Appendix II by CITES, tightly restricting trade in specimens of the animal.
Between 2000 and 2010, the total population declined by 30%.
In 1994, some 340 giant anteaters died due to wildfires at Emas National Park in Brazil.
The animal is particularly vulnerable to fires due to its slow movement and flammable coat.

Human-induced threats include collision with vehicles, attacks by dogs, and destruction of habitat.
The giant anteater is commonly hunted in Bolivia, both for sport and sustenance.
The animal's thick, leathery hide is used to make equestrian equipment in the Chaco.
In Venezuela, it is hunted for its claws.
Giant anteaters are killed for safety reasons, due to their reputation as dangerous animals.
The giant anteater remains widespread.
Some populations are stable and the animal is found in various protected areas in the Amazon, Pantanal and the Cerrado.
It is officially protected in some Argentine provinces as a national heritage species.
The giant anteater is native to Central and South America. Its known range stretches from Honduras to northern Argentina, and fossil remains have been found as far north as northwestern Sonora, Mexico. It is largely absent from the Andes and has been extirpated in Uruguay. It may also be extirpated in Belize, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. The species is found in a number of habitats including both tropical rainforest and xeric shrubland, provided enough prey is present to sustain it.
The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, due to the number of regional extirpations, and under Appendix II by CITES, tightly restricting trade in specimens of the animal. Between 2000 and 2010, the total population declined by 30%. In 1994, some 340 giant anteaters died due to wildfires at Emas National Park in Brazil. The animal is particularly vulnerable to fires due to its slow movement and flammable coat.
Human-induced threats include collision with vehicles, attacks by dogs, and destruction of habitat. The giant anteater is commonly hunted in Bolivia, both for sport and sustenance. The animal's thick, leathery hide is used to make equestrian equipment in the Chaco. In Venezuela, it is hunted for its claws. Giant anteaters are killed for safety reasons, due to their reputation as dangerous animals. The giant anteater remains widespread. Some populations are stable and the animal is found in various protected areas in the Amazon, Pantanal and the Cerrado. It is officially protected in some Argentine provinces as a national heritage species.
Giant anteater