Giant anteater’s return signals hope for Argentina’s ecosystems
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In 2025, a giant anteater, a vulnerable mammal, reappeared in Argentina’s Alma Guaraní reserve after a 40-year absence.
Researchers believe this return stems from restoration work begun in 2021, specifically a “passive restoration” approach. This method focused on reducing pressures from livestock, hunting, and dogs, allowing natural vegetation to recover. The team at Alma Guaraní combined passive restoration with active planting of 11 native tree species across a smaller area.
Camera traps revealed the anteater primarily used the passively restored lands, suggesting this approach quickly improved habitat and food availability. The reserve, covering roughly 15,800 acres in the Gran Chaco region, may now serve as a vital connection between wetlands and the wider Chaco ecosystem. Experts caution it’s too early to confirm a full species recovery.
They are continuing to monitor the anteater, currently a single male, to determine if it’s an isolated case or the start of a larger population trend. Further research will also assess whether the animal dispersed from another area or was reintroduced to the reserve. Conservationists emphasize that successful restoration requires addressing threats outside protected areas, such as agricultural practices and roaming dogs.
