Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth

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. They have a long-term, symbiotic relationship with the algae in their fur, which goes beyond simple camouflage. Sloths rest or move slowly in trees for 15 to 20 hours every day. Like other three-toed sloths, they periodically (once a week) descend to the forest floor to urinate.

Behavior

Although they may appear charming and amiable, sloths can be lethal if disturbed. Conservationist 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. As part of their energy-saving habit, pygmy three-toed sloths move very slowly. Like many sloth species, they spend a large portion of their lives alone, while little is known about their social activity. Some conservation project notes state that sloths utilize stronger sounds to find mates. They are vulnerable to wildlife trafficking due to their rarity and appeal.

Threats and Conservation

Threats

Habitat destruction: Timber harvesting on the island.
Human settlement and tourism development on the island.
Low genetic diversity: Studies suggest a genetic bottleneck, raising concern about inbreeding.
Climate change: Sea-level rise could threaten their mangrove habitat..

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered (CR)

Conservation Efforts

Habitat protection.
Anti-poaching enforcement.
Rescue and rehabilitation centers.
Awareness campaigns against illegal pet trade.
The Pygmy Sloth Conservation Project is working to protect them.
Legal protection status is ambiguous: Though there is a protected-landscape designation, enforcement is weak, and there is tension between local indigenous communities and government.

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. The pygmy three-toed sloth 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)