Habitat:
humid tropical forests and canopy

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The pygmy anteater (Cyclopes didactylus) is a small nocturnal arboreal mammal, measuring 36–45 cm in total length (including a 15–20 cm prehensile tail) and weighing 175–400 g. Its dense, silky golden‐brown fur with subtle darker mottling provides effective camouflage in humid tropical forest canopies of Central and South America. It feeds exclusively on arboreal ants and termites, captured with its long sticky tongue. Breeding occurs year‐round; females give birth to a single young after a 120–150‐day gestation, usually between September and November. Solitary and highly secretive, it shelters in tree crevices or abandoned bird nests and uses harsh calls for communication.

Recommended lens:
Macro – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the pygmy anteater, set up a low-hide adjacent to tree trunks at the canopy edge. Use a 100–150 mm macro lens on a monopod to reduce shake and employ a ring flash or soft diffuser for even illumination without startling the animal. Choose aperture f/8–f/11 for adequate depth of field, shutter speed of at least 1/200 s, and ISO 800–1600 depending on ambient light. Remain silent and patient, capture in RAW, and favor twilight hours when individuals are most active to highlight their silky fur texture.