Giant anteaters thrive after landmark reintroduction

Giant anteaters are once again thriving in Argentina after a pioneering reintroduction programme restored the species to the Iberá Wetlands, bringing long-term benefits to conservation, tourism and local communities.

“The project demonstrated that rewilding is viable in Argentina when there is coordination among scientists, institutions and local communities,” said the Rewilding Argentina Foundation, which leads the programme with provincial partners.

Launched in 2007, the world’s first giant anteater reintroduction programme has rescued and released more than 110 orphaned anteaters, helping establish a free-ranging population of more than 200 animals after the species disappeared from Corrientes in the mid-20th century. The returning anteaters are restoring their natural ecological role, while the programme has become a model for other wildlife reintroductions and is supporting sustainable tourism, creating jobs in guiding, hospitality and local services.