Population structure and genetic diversity of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla: Myrmecophagidae, Pilosa) in Brazil

A notable population structure exists between giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) populations from the Cerrado/Pantanal and Amazon Forest biomes, alongside high genetic diversity within subpopulations in Serra da Canastra and Emas National Parks. This suggests signs of population expansion in these areas. The study analyzed 77 individuals across seven populations using two mitochondrial (control region and Cyt-b) and two nuclear markers (AMELY and RAG2), providing critical insights into the species' evolutionary history and informing conservation strategies for this vulnerable species.

Clozato, C. L., Miranda, F. R., Lara-Ruiz, P., Collevatti, R. G., & Santos, F. R. (2017). Population structure and genetic diversity of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla: Myrmecophagidae, Pilosa) in Brazil. Genetics and Molecular Biology, 40(1), 50–60. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2016-0104