Mongabay · Climate & nature

Giant Anteater's Return to Argentine Reserve Offers Hope for Restoration

A giant anteater's return to Argentina's Gran Chaco, after 40 years, is linked to passive restoration efforts. This suggests ecosystem recovery may be possible when pressures like habitat loss are reduced.

A giant anteater was sighted in the Alma Guaraní reserve in 2025, the first record since 1986. Researchers link this to restoration work started in 2021, which removed pressures like livestock and hunting, allowing vegetation to recover.

The anteater may have traveled from a neighboring province. Giant anteaters are vulnerable due to habitat loss from agriculture and ranching, plus threats from infrastructure and hunting.

Experts caution it's too early to confirm species recovery. Continuous monitoring is needed to see if this is an isolated event or part of a broader dispersal.

The Alma Guaraní reserve has undergone restoration, including passive regeneration over 150 hectares. Camera data shows the anteater used these passively restored zones.

The study suggests passive restoration, by reducing pressures and fostering habitat, facilitated the anteater's return, potentially restoring ecosystem functionality.

While encouraging, this doesn't confirm species recovery. Similar range expansions have occurred without population growth. The reserve's role as a corridor is also considered.

Success depends on addressing surrounding threats and integrating conservation. Both active and passive restoration are valuable, depending on site conditions.

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