Until recently, it was thought that there was only a single species of silky anteater. However, a 10-year long investigation by Miranda et al. (2018) provided evidence that there are actually seven species of Cyclopes.

Cyclopes thomasi has only recently been described as a separate species. It is listed as Data Deficient due to the lack of information on its exact range, population size, and the threats that are affecting it.

Cyclopes thomasi is distributed in western Brazil, east central Peru, and possibly northwestern Bolivia (Pando department). It has been recorded in the western Amazon Basin, from Rio Juruá southwest to the Río Ucayali Region. Its eastern limits are unknown.

The population status and trend of C. thomasi are not known.

No specific data are available on the size of Cyclopes thomasi, but assuming that it is similar in size to other silky anteaters, it would have a head-body length of around 20 cm, a tail of similar length, and it would weigh around 300 grams. The fur of its body is strikingly orange to reddish brown, while the legs and tail are grey. There is no dorsal stripe, and the ventral stripe is little developed and faint. No data are available on the habitat and ecology of this arboreal species, but it is thought to occur in tropical forests. It is presumably an opportunistic insectivore that mainly feeds on ants.

The threats to this species are unknown. It is probably affected by habitat loss and its inappropriate use as a pet species, especially in rural areas.

Silky anteaters are sometimes captured and kept as a pet species in the country of origin, especially in rural areas.

It is not known whether the species occurs in any protected area.