What is the difference between a northern tamandua and southern tamandua?

Northern tamandua and southern tamandua are both small anteaters found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. However, there are certain differences between the two species:

1. Size: Northern tamanduas are generally larger than southern tamanduas. Northern tamanduas can reach a length of up to 1.8 meters (5.9 feet), while southern tamanduas typically grow to a length of around 1.2 meters (3.9 feet).

2. Fur Coloration: The fur of northern tamanduas is typically a yellowish-brown or golden color, with a black mask around the eyes and a black stripe on the back. Southern tamanduas, on the other hand, have a more grayish or brownish-gray fur color, with a white mask around the eyes and no stripe on the back.

3. Tail: Northern tamanduas have a longer and bushier tail compared to southern tamanduas. The tail of a northern tamandua can reach up to 65 centimeters (26 inches) in length, while the tail of a southern tamandua is typically shorter, measuring around 45 centimeters (18 inches).

4. Habitat: Northern tamanduas are found in the tropical rainforests of southern Mexico and Central America. Southern tamanduas, as their name suggests, are found in the tropical rainforests of South America, ranging from Colombia and Venezuela to northern Argentina.

5. Behavior: Both northern and southern tamanduas are solitary, nocturnal animals that spend most of their time in the trees. However, southern tamanduas are more arboreal than northern tamanduas, meaning they spend more time in the trees and rarely come down to the ground.