Population density of silky anteaters (Cyclopes didactylus Xenarthra: Cyclopedidae) in a protected mangrove swamp on the island of Trinidad

Large gaps remain in our understanding of the ecology of the silky anteater ( Cyclopes didactylus ), due to its small size, nocturnal and arboreal behavior. This study undertook the first population density assessment of this species on the island of Trinidad, within the Caroni Swamp Ramsar site. Diurnal boat-based distance surveys were conducted during the wet seasons of 2010 and 2011, along 115.98 km and 121.6 km of the line transect, respectively. Thirteen silky anteaters were detected in 2010, and 10 individuals were observed in 2011. The mean population density estimates using King’s method were 5.50/km 2 (95% CI±3.87) and 4.62/km 2 (95% CI±1.78), for 2010 and 2011, respectively.