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Consumption of globally traded agricultural commodities like soy and palm oil is one of the primary causes of deforestation and biodiversity loss in some of the world’s most species-rich ecosystems. However, the complexity of global supply chains has confounded efforts to reduce impacts. Companies and governments with sustainability commitments struggle to understand their own sourcing patterns,while the activities of more unscrupulous actors are conveniently masked by the opacity of global trade. We combine state-of-the-art material flow, economic trade, and biodiversity impact models to produce an innovative approach for understanding the impacts of trade on biodiversity loss and the roles of remote markets and actors.We do this for the production of soy in the Brazilian Cerrado, home to more than 5% of the worlds species. Distinct sourcing patterns of consumer countries and trading companies result in substantially different impacts on endemic species. Connections between individual buyers and specific hot spots explain the disproportionate impacts of some actors on endemic species and individual threatened species, such as the particular impact of European Union consumers on the recent habitat losses for the iconic giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). In making these linkages explicit, our approach enables commodity buyers and investors to target their efforts much more closely to improve the sustainability of their supply chains in their sourcing regions while also transforming our ability to monitor the impact of such commitments over time.

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) ranges widely in northern South America and southern Central America, where its main predators are jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor). The species' bold color pattern has been attributed to predator avoidance through both aposematism and disruptive camouflage. Its powerful front claws can be used not only for ripping open ant and termite nests but also as a lethal defense against attacking jaguars (and humans!); this has led to the suggestion that the conspicuous black \"bracelets\" on its forelimbs could be an aposematic warning signal to potential predators. After photographing this unaccompanied pair of giant anteaters in the Brazilian Pantanal in September 2022, we suggest another function for their distinctive coloration -- mimicry. The forelimb \"bracelets\" create a panda-like pattern with a black nose, eyepatch, and ear. The paleness of the anteater's near forelimb extends up and back toward its rump, creating the visual impression of an upper body of another animal. The pale inner side of the anteater's far forelimb makes it appear to be a near forelimb, adding to the illusion of a separate, smaller animal.

On the latest 60 years the degradation and fragmentation of native habitats have been modifying the landscape in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The adaptive plasticity of an organism has been crucial for its long-term survival and success in these novel ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the response of four endangered species of large terrestrial mammals to the variations in the quality of their original habitats, in a context of high anthropogenic pressure. The distribution of the Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Giant anteater), Priodontes maximus (Giant armadillo), Tapirus terrestris (Lowland tapir) and Tayassu pecari (White-lipped peccary) in all sampled habitats suggests their tolerance to degradation. However, the survival ability of each species in the different habitats was not the same. Among the four species, T. pecari seems to be the one with the least ability to survive in more altered environments. The positive influence of the anthropogenically altered habitats on abundances of three of the four species studied, as observed at the regeneration areas, can be considered as a potential indication of the ecological trap phenomenon. This study reinforces the importance of the forest remnants for the survival of endangered mammal species, in regions of high anthropogenic pressure, as in the eastern Brazilian Amazon.

2017年天津市动物园首次引进大食蚁兽 (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) , 雌、雄各1只, 并于2018年7月16日产下1只雌性幼仔。在哺乳期间, 雌兽面部出现丘疹状水泡, 嗜睡, 活动时快速徘徊, 显现烦躁状态, 四肢明显无力, 食欲不佳, 易呕吐, 反复出血性肠炎。2019年9月, 雌兽食量降至健康时的1/3, 体重降至35 kg, 减少15 kg。血生化检查显示, 血氨与治疗后对比异常升高, 丙氨酸氨基转移酶升高, 红细胞、血红蛋白、血细胞比容偏低。血涂片瑞氏染色可见薄型红血球、卡波德环状小体和偏心红血球。根据实验室检查结果, 初步诊断为营养性巨幼细胞贫血合并缺铁性贫血。治疗原则为保肝护肝, 补充叶酸、维生素B12和多种矿物质, 降低饲料动物性蛋白质含量, 调理胃肠道菌群。经过为期1年的治疗调理, 该食蚁兽食欲、活动良好, 体重增加至45 kg, 各项指标趋于正常。

The giant anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla ) is a vulnerable species that is threatened mostly due to anthropogenic pressure. The anteater is a highly specialized insectivore, challenging the species’ ex situ maintenance and conservation efforts. Several dietary-associated health issues have been reported in captive anteaters, including heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy. On the other hand, cardiopathy is mainly diagnosed only on necropsy, and lack of clinical reference is one of the constraints. This work describes electrocardiographic parameters in twelve zoo-kept giant anteaters ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla ). The giant anteaters were evaluated after chemical immobilization. Surface electrocardiography using a digital electrocardiograph was performed to acquire data on the six frontal plane leads. Four animals were placed in both left and right recumbencies to assess changes in waveforms. Nine anteaters were considered healthy and included in the statistics. The mean heart rate and electrical axis were 37.8 bpm ± 3.45 and 75.6º ± 11.43, respectively. ECG parameters results were P wave duration (ms) 89.7 ± 9.2, P wave amplitude (mV) 0.14 ± 0.05, PR segment duration (ms) 148.6 ± 23, R wave amplitude (mV) 1.55 ± 0.56, QRS complex duration (ms) 88.6 ± 12.0, QT interval duration (ms) 529.6 ± 71.2, and T wave amplitude (mV) 0.76 ± 0.21. There was no difference between left or right recumbency. Heart parameters of giant anteaters are similar to other mammals and seem to be influenced both by size and metabolic rate when comparing with other species. This is the first description of ECG parameters in giant anteaters.

Xenarthra mammals can be found from southern North America to southern South America, including all Brazilian biomes. Although it has been shown that Xenarthra mammals can play a role as reservoirs for several zoonotic agents, few studies investigate the diversity of piroplasmids (Apicomplexa: Piroplasmida) in this group of mammals. Taking into account that piroplasmids can cause disease in animals and humans, understanding the prevalence and diversity of piroplasmids in Xenarthra mammals would contribute to conservation efforts for this group of animals as well as to infer risk areas for transmission of emergent zoonosis. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and molecular identity of piroplasmids in free-living mammals of the Superorder Xenarthra from four Brazilian states (Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo, Rondônia, and Pará). For this, DNA was extracted from blood or spleen samples from 455 animals. A nested PCR based on the 18S rRNA gene was used as screening for piroplasmids. Of the 455 samples analyzed, 25 (5.5%) were positive. Additionally, PCR assays based on 18S rRNA near-complete, cox-1 , cox-3 , hsp70 , cytB , β-tubulin genes and the ITS-1 intergenic region were performed. Five out of 25 positive samples also tested positive for ITS-1-based PCR. The phylogenetic analysis positioned three 18S rRNA sequences detected in Priodontes maximus into the same clade of Babesia sp. detected in marsupials ( Didelphis albiventris , Didelphis marsupialis , and Monodelphis domestica ) and Amblyomma dubitatum collected from opossums and coatis in Brazil. On the other hand, the 18S rRNA sequence obtained from Dasypus novemcinctus was closely related to a Theileria sp. sequence previously detected in armadillos from Mato Grosso State, grouping in a subclade within the Theileria sensu stricto clade. In the phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS-1 region, the sequences obtained from Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Tamandua tetradactyla were placed into a single clade, apart from the other piroplasmid clades. The present study demonstrated the molecular occurrence of Piroplasmida in anteaters and Babesia sp. and Theileria sp. in armadillos from Brazil.

The drastic reduction of the Brazilian Cerrado has transformed this savanna hotspot into vast swaths of commodity-based agriculture fields, mainly soybean, sugarcane, and beef-production pasturelands. The resulting habitat loss and fragmentation are the principal factors underlying population decline of native species inhabiting the Cerrado, particularly those with a high demand for space, low population density, and specialized diet, such as the endangered giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Although the species has been studied in protected areas, we know much less about its ability to endure in disturbed landscapes. Here, we analyzed camera-trapping data to estimate a proxy of habitat use (; occupancy) and detection probabilities of the giant anteater, identifying environmental covariates influencing these parameters in landscapes with intensive agriculture and commercial forestry. We found this species using about half of the study area (model average ψ = 0.51, CI = 0.40–0.62), with two predictors strongly influencing habitat use: protected areas and unpaved roads. In turn, detection probability correlates positively with area of open Cerrado and negatively with area of settlements. The species is more likely to use unpaved roads inside protected areas ( = 0.90, CI = 0.47–0.75), compared to off road sites in the surrounding areas ( = 0.19, CI = 0.10–0.34). Our findings indicate that giant anteaters are dependent on nature reserves and native vegetation areas existing on private properties, whose protection is regulated by the Brazilian Native Vegetation Protection Law. Given the relative paucity of state-owned protected areas in the Brazilian Cerrado, increasing the adherence of rural owners to this law is, therefore, key for the conservation of the giant anteater. The intense use of unpaved roads might reflect travelling and/or foraging optimization, a behavioral response that, nevertheless, may compound this species' susceptibility to suffer mortality from roadkill.

One of the benefits of modeling habitat selection for a given population is the ability to predict patterns in another population that inhabits an ecologically similar area. We studied habitat selection and home ranges of reintroduced and wild giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in 2 South American wetlands (Iberá, Argentina, and Pantanal, Brazil). Nine reintroduced (Iberá) and 10 wild (Pantanal) adult animals were tracked via VHF and GPS between 2007 and 2015. We used resource selection functions to assess habitat selection for the wild anteaters from Pantanal. Generalized linear mixed models were constructed for resting and activity periods during both the wet and dry seasons. We then validated previous models built for reintroduced anteaters in Iberá using data from the wild animals from Pantanal. Habitat type (floodplain, grassland, open savanna, closed savanna, and forest) and distances to selected landscape traits were used as covariates. Locations near forests were positively selected in both populations. Selection of forests in Pantanal was less evident than in Iberá, probably due to the much higher availability of forests in the Brazilian site, with 38–53% of the landscape classified as good-to-high likelihood in Pantanal compared to only 4% in Iberá. Mean home-range size of males was larger in Iberá (32.50 ± 7.64 km2) than in Pantanal (14.07 ± 1.97 km2), whereas home-range sizes of females were similar in both areas (9.75 ± 1.74 km2 in Iberá; 9.62 ± 2.00 km2 in Pantanal). Results of this study suggest that model validation with geographically independent data is a useful tool to compare reintroduced and wild populations and to identify resources or landscape attributes that are important for a given species, even when these resources are abundant or highly available.

Land-use change is a global threat to biodiversity, but how land-use change affects species beyond the direct effect of habitat loss remains poorly understood. We developed an approach to isolate and map the direct and indirect effects of agricultural expansion on species of conservation concern, using the threatened giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) in the Gran Chaco as an example. We reconstructed anteater occupancy change between 1985 and 2015 by fitting single-season occupancy models with contemporary camera-trap data and backcasting the models to 1985 and 2000 land-cover/use maps. Based on this, we compared the area of forest loss (direct effect of agricultural expansion) with the area where forests remained but occupancy still declined (indirect effect of agricultural expansion). Anteater occupancy decreased substantially since 1985, particularly after 2000 when agriculture expanded rapidly. Between 1985 and 2015, ~ 64,000 km2 of forest disappeared, yet occupancy declined across a larger area (~ 102,000 km2), extending far into seemingly untransformed habitat. This suggests that widespread sink habitat has emerged due to agricultural land-use change, and that species may lose their habitat through direct and indirect effects of agricultural expansion, highlighting the urgent need for broad-scale conservation planning in the Chaco. Appropriate management responses could proactively protect more habitat where populations are stable, and restore habitat or address causes of mortality in areas where declines occur. Our work also highlights how occupancy modelling combined with remote sensing can help to detect the direct and indirect effects of agricultural expansion, providing guidance for spatially targeting conservation strategies to halt extinctions.