Pygmy Three-Toed Sloths

The pygmy three-toed sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus), also known as the monk sloth or dwarf sloth, is a species of sloth in the family Bradypodidae endemic to Isla Escudo de Veraguas, a small island off the Caribbean coast of Panama. Also known by Saurfolks as Fulien de Veraguas.

Physical Appearance

The pygmy three-toed sloth is significantly smaller than the other three members of its genus but otherwise resembles the brown-throated three-toed sloth. According to Anderson and Handley Jr., the head-and-body length is between 48 and 53 centimeters (19 and 21 in), and the body mass ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 kg (5.5 to 7.7 lb).

Abilities

Ecosystems unto themselves, sloths. Moths and algae have formed symbiotic partnerships with them. Moths reside in their fur and lay their eggs in their feces, and the algae covers every inch of their bodies, often giving sloths a slime-green tint. The algae that covers them may even be eaten by the sloths or its nutrients may be absorbed through their skin.

They defend themselves by using their razor-sharp teeth and claws.

Ecology

This sloth, like other sloths, is arboreal (tree-living) and feeds on leaves. It has a body adapted to hang by its limbs; the large, curved claws help the sloth keep a strong grip on tree branches. It lives high in the canopy but descends once a week to defecate on the forest floor. It is symbiotically associated with green algae, which can provide it with camouflage.

Behavior

Although they may appear charming and amiable, sloths can be lethal if disturbed. Consevationist Hunters assert that sloths are not dangerous to people if left unattended in their natural environment. When irritated or feeling threatened, sloths may inflict pain with their teeth or long nails.

Distribution and Habitat

The pygmy three-toed sloth is rare in that it can only be found on the 4.3 square kilometer (1.7 square mile) island of Isla Escudo de Veraguas' crimson mangroves. Pygmy three-toed sloths were counted in 2012, and it was estimated that there were 79 of them overall, with 70 of them living in mangroves and nine elsewhere. 5.8 people per hectare (2.3 people per acre) was determined to be the population density. Bradypus pygmaeus has been spotted in the island's core forests, however it can be difficult and time-consuming to census cryptic, slowly moving arboreal creatures in dense woodlands.

Movement Pattern: Not a Migrant
Individual Type: Solo
Population Trend: Stable
Population: 500
Locomotion: Arboreal
Habitat: Temperate Coniferous Forests; Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests; Temperate Deciduous Forests, Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Subtropical Coniferous Forests; Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands; Stone Forest; Tropical Coniferous Forests; Tropical Moist Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Dry Broadleaf Forests; Tropical Grasslands; Tropical Savannas and Shrublands; Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands, and Scrub; Flooded Grasslands and Savannas; Swamp; Bayous/Billabongs; Riparian; Wetland; Mangrove Forest; Cold Bamboo Forests; Tropical Bamboo Forests; Air-breathing Coral Reefs; Graveyard Vale; Mountain.
Earth:
- Extant (Resident): Panama (Isla Escudo de Veraguas)