Predation on Tamandua tetradactyla (Pilosa: Myrmecophagidae) by Caiman latirostris (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae) in a highly seasonal habitat in Central Brazil

Caiman latirostris is an opportunistic predator found in rivers, mangroves, and wetlands throughout eastern South America. We report here the predation of Tamandua tetradactyla by Caiman latirostris in an old cattle dam in the Serra da Bodoquena National Park, Brazil. The adult caiman was accompanied by its hatchlings that fed on the lacerated parts of the Lesser anteater and possibly the insects attracted by the carcass. Although Caiman latirostris acts as a fundamental organism for the balance of ecosystems, most of the species` diet records are anecdotal, making this record relevant for understanding the ecology of the species.

Automated summary

This study reports the predation of Tamandua tetradactyla by Caiman latirostris in an old cattle dam in the Serra da Bodoquena National Park, Brazil. The record is relevant for understanding the ecology of Caiman latirostris.