APPERANCE
The pygmy three toed sloth, one of 6 sloth species, have a significantly small population of less than 100, making them critically endangered. Growing up to 530 mm (head and body length) and weighing an average of 3 kg, the pygmy sloth has blotchy pale brown fur, which is actually tinted green by the algae that grown on them (this is a significant feature that help identify them). In addition, this species features a distinctive dark band around the eyes, and have a hooded appearance due to the long shaggy hair that hangs over their tan colored face. The males are set apart by a vertical bright orange patch that runs along their backs. HABITAT
The pygmy sloth is known to only live on the small island called Isla Escudo de Veraguas, 17km from mainland Panama. Spending most of their lives in trees, the sloth depends on the small area of red mangrove forest that surrounds the island (where the land meets the sea) and are found here exclusively. As the area of their habitat only covers an estimated 1.3 – 1.5 km2 of the island, it is essential that the habitat is conserved and is a top priority if we want to save this species. |
BEHAVIOUR
The pygmy sloths sole food is the red mangrove trees where they live, having no other food source nearby. Living as a solitary animal, this small creature can only rely on biting and clawing when defending themselves, however due to their slowness and inability to react quickly, it is of not much help. The mating behavior of these sloths has not been properly observed yet and is still a mystery, however it is believed that loud vocalizations or calls are used to enable the male and female to find each other in their leafy habitat. Young are then held inside the mother for six to twelve months before birth. The female has one offspring, rarely twins, who cling to her underside for the first period of their lives, an can remain with their mother for up to one year (until its fur develops the algae that is its signature feature)
The pygmy sloths sole food is the red mangrove trees where they live, having no other food source nearby. Living as a solitary animal, this small creature can only rely on biting and clawing when defending themselves, however due to their slowness and inability to react quickly, it is of not much help. The mating behavior of these sloths has not been properly observed yet and is still a mystery, however it is believed that loud vocalizations or calls are used to enable the male and female to find each other in their leafy habitat. Young are then held inside the mother for six to twelve months before birth. The female has one offspring, rarely twins, who cling to her underside for the first period of their lives, an can remain with their mother for up to one year (until its fur develops the algae that is its signature feature)
CAUSE
The pygmy three toed sloth is CRITICALLY ENDANGERED due to vigorous cutting of mangrove trees in their area. It is also suspected that fishermen operating near the island may also be secretly hunting the vulnerable animals, since the sloths are an easy source of meat. Currently, campaigns are being run to fund conservation stratergies and the area ahs been put uder protection. WHAT CAN BE DONE
Isla Escudo de Veraguas has been designated as a protected area. At present a campaign is being run to raise funds to develop a participatory conservation strategy for the pygmy sloth that involves all stakeholders. There practically no actual enforcement of the ban on hunting them or destroying their habitat – so placing them under a law of protection, and creating a ban for the poaching of them would significantly help their survival and needs to be done soon |
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth 2014, Our Endangered World, accessed 18 August 2015, http://www.ourendangeredworld.com/species/land-mammals/pygmy-three-toed-sloth/
Pygmy Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus) 2014, EDGE: Evolutionary Distinct & Globally Endangered, accessed 18 August 2015, http://www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=1396
Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth 2014, Our Endangered World, accessed 18 August 2015, http://www.ourendangeredworld.com/species/land-mammals/pygmy-three-toed-sloth/
Pygmy Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus) 2014, EDGE: Evolutionary Distinct & Globally Endangered, accessed 18 August 2015, http://www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=1396