Molina et al.

Resting sites are essential for the survival of species, primarily because they provide protection from weather and/or predators. The characteristics of these sites and how animals select them are poorly understood for several Neotropical species, including the southern tamandua, also known as the lesser anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla). Here, we aimed to describe the resting sites used by southern tamanduas on two islands in a preserved coastal environment of the Parnaiba River Delta, northeastern Brazil. We propose two non-exclusive hypotheses regarding the site selection of southern tamanduas. First, we hypothesize that thermoregulation influences the resting site selection of southern tamanduas, leading them to prefer higher vegetation layers for better microclimatic conditions. Alternatively, we hypothesize that they prefer elevated sites to avoid hunters and feral dogs, especially in areas close to human settlements. We recorded 29 resting sites for the 12 female southern tamanduas monitored on two islands in the Parnaiba River Delta. These animals primarily chose tree canopies and hollows as resting sites. Our statistical analysis indicated that their preference for higher resting sites was more closely associated with predator avoidance than with thermoregulatory needs. Interestingly, contrary to our expectations, southern tamanduas more frequently utilized elevated sites in mangrove areas than in restinga or anthropized regions. This finding underscores the significance of upper-layer resting sites within mangrove habitats for southern tamanduas and suggests potential management strategies to enhance the environmental quality for vulnerable populations.