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  • This is Tammi and Lucho.

  • They're tamanduas.

  • And this is their first date.

  • When a tamandua feels threatened, it will rear up on its hind legs

  • and use its sharp, powerful claws to slash out.

  • Sometimes it can be hard to break the ice.

  • Tamanduas are the smaller cousin of the giant anteater.

  • And while both species enjoy snacking on ants,

  • tamanduas are excellent tree-climbers,

  • while their larger relatives prefer to stay firmly on the ground.

  • Tamanduas have excellent defense mechanisms for enemies both large and small.

  • If a predator gets too close, the tamandua will release a powerful stinky spray,

  • four times as strong as a skunk.

  • And its thick, coarse fur keeps angry ants from reaching its skin when dining in an anthill.

  • Despite these protective adaptations,

  • the tamandua remains a threatened species in their native Central and South America.

  • Habitat loss and hunting are both looming threats.

  • This is the tamandua.

This is Tammi and Lucho.

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