Bradypus pygmaeus
Bradypus pygmaeus
![Picture](/uploads/9/3/2/1/93218462/sloth-318882-960-720.jpg?596)
The pygmy three toed sloth is a recently described species, officially observed as a new species in 2001 [2]. Its a curious little creature being found only on a single island, Escudo de Veraguas, Panama. Its is very similar in appearance to its larger relatives the three-toed sloths. The fur is described as a pale brown-grey in appearance with a light tan colored face and dark mask-like band around the eyes. The fur is long and shaggy with a unique feature that all sloth species share, that being that the outer fur is covered in algae and in turn it appears to have a greenish tint. This characteristic of their fur is meant to aid is camouflage. Another aspect of their appearance is that this species is found to have sexual dimorphism, or distinct physical differences between the males and females. The males of the pygmy three-toed sloth have a bright orange patch located about the middle of the back with a thick black vertical band running through it. With long forearms and shorter legs having three toes each the sloth are made for climbing and living a life upside down but even more surprising is that sloths actually make great swimmers. Bradypus pygmaeus is no exception. These sloth live almost exclusively in the islands red mangroves, so being able to swim makes getting around a bit easier. One last unique adaptation of B. pygmaeus is that through observation it appears that this species of sloth is a folivorous mangrove specialist, meaning that they only feed on the red mangroves of the island. Not only are the red mangroves providing the sloths shelter but they also provide the curious little creature with exclusive nourishment. In a sense, the red mangroves of Escudo de Veraguas are what give the sloths life [4].
A Little Sloth In Big Trouble
![Picture](/uploads/9/3/2/1/93218462/island2.jpg?625)
The pygmy three-toed sloth is perhaps the rarest sloth in the world. Existing only on one small island, the sloths numbers are already limited. The population that the island would be able to support would be rather small. By already being a naturally rare occurring species this particular sloth is put at a greater risk for failure. This meaning that adding in pressures to their environment could ultimately lead to their extinction. Sadly for Bradypus pygmaeus, this is currently happening. The red mangroves in which the sloth exclusively lives in are being destroyed and fragmented by the islands human residents. Previous estimates of the sloth population on the island are found to be misleading as new research show the numbers are much lower.
Methods and Results of Sloth Density Evaluations
The research team from the article "A Population and Habitat Assessment of the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth within the Mangrove Forests of Escudo De Veraguas Island, Panama," set out to determine the distribution of B. pygmaeus and in turn their relationship with the red mangrove patches. There were patches of mangroves that were marked and mapped out by GPS. The mangrove areas were chosen to be the focus because of previous observation of the sloths and the fact that the mangroves are also under threat. These patches were all sampled both in the afternoon and the morning, all sightings were recorded. Data was then calculated to determine pygmy three-toed abundance.
As there were no existing continuous strips of red mangrove, the mangrove habitats were found to be restricted to the north-east coast of the island. A direct correlation between the size of the mangrove patch and the number of sloths found there was made. The larger the patch the greater the number of sloths found. No sloths were found in the “satellite patches” and it is thought that these are more of a stepping stone between other mangrove areas. Terrestrial forest are a transitory way while migrating in and out of the mangroves, furthering reinforcing the idea that mangroves are their primary habitat. The fragmentation of the red mangroves on the island and the apparent decline in their numbers shows that both species are in a more fragile state than previously thought.
Tropical mangroves provide shelter, food, and safety for many species. As the mangroves are destroyed, many other species that call them home are put in peril as well. The case of the pygmy three-toed sloth is no exception. The destruction of the mangroves is found to be a key factor in their dwindling number for more than one reason. The research gathered in this study highlights the critical need for conservation action in order to preserve both the mangroves and the species that depend on them [3].
Another team of researches took on a similar mission in order to determine the urgency for the sloths conservation. On the island of Escudo de Veraguas there are roughly 10 mangrove thickets (or clumps) left on the island. The boundary of each of these thickets were mapped out by a research team of Kaviar, Shockey, and Sundberg. The teams goal was to determine the population status of B. pygmaeus. After the boundaries of each thicket had been mapped and ID with a numbers 1-10 a visual survey of each thicket commenced. Each observer walked throughout every thicket and when a sloth was found their location was recorded by GPS and the sloth was assigned an identity number. Brief data on date and time of day were recorded, along with the sloths physical appearance. In order to prevent the search of the same thicket twice the census for a thicket was finished within the same day. There may have been some sloths that were missed due to being hidden by vegetation or baby sloths being hidden from plain view by blending into to their mothers fur. Through the use of standard deviation this was accounted for in the final population calculations. In the final results 70 pygmy three-toed sloth were observed in the mangrove habitat of the island. Its is important to note that this is only and estimate as there were sloths spotted outside of the mangroves but all were within 20 meters of a thicket. Further data showed that the overall population levels are dependent on the mangrove thicket area. This estimate of B. pygmaeus population size previously had been around 500 individuals on the island. This new estimate, although not necessarily accurate, shows that the population levels of the sloth are dangerously lower [1].
The Main Threat
The pygmy three-toed sloth is under serious threat. The IUCN currently has the species listed as "critically endangered" and the primary threat the sloths are facing are human activities. On the island of Escudo de Veraguas fisherman and indigenous families seasonally populate the island to take advantage of the resources. Unfortunately, the red mangroves of the island have suffered drastically from the activity. People of the island are often cutting the mangroves in order to obtain charcoal. As a result, the mangroves have been heavily fragmented as there are no longer any continuous strips of mangrove forest. This has critically impacted B. pygmaeus population levels, seeing as that the red mangroves are heavily depended on for both food and shelter by the sloths. As the mangroves of the island continue to be fragmented or lost the pygmy three-toed sloth will also continue to decline in numbers. They depend on the mangroves to give them life, just as many other species do. Education and intense conservation needs to happen before its too late and another of earth's precious species is lost [2]
Methods and Results of Sloth Density Evaluations
The research team from the article "A Population and Habitat Assessment of the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth within the Mangrove Forests of Escudo De Veraguas Island, Panama," set out to determine the distribution of B. pygmaeus and in turn their relationship with the red mangrove patches. There were patches of mangroves that were marked and mapped out by GPS. The mangrove areas were chosen to be the focus because of previous observation of the sloths and the fact that the mangroves are also under threat. These patches were all sampled both in the afternoon and the morning, all sightings were recorded. Data was then calculated to determine pygmy three-toed abundance.
As there were no existing continuous strips of red mangrove, the mangrove habitats were found to be restricted to the north-east coast of the island. A direct correlation between the size of the mangrove patch and the number of sloths found there was made. The larger the patch the greater the number of sloths found. No sloths were found in the “satellite patches” and it is thought that these are more of a stepping stone between other mangrove areas. Terrestrial forest are a transitory way while migrating in and out of the mangroves, furthering reinforcing the idea that mangroves are their primary habitat. The fragmentation of the red mangroves on the island and the apparent decline in their numbers shows that both species are in a more fragile state than previously thought.
Tropical mangroves provide shelter, food, and safety for many species. As the mangroves are destroyed, many other species that call them home are put in peril as well. The case of the pygmy three-toed sloth is no exception. The destruction of the mangroves is found to be a key factor in their dwindling number for more than one reason. The research gathered in this study highlights the critical need for conservation action in order to preserve both the mangroves and the species that depend on them [3].
Another team of researches took on a similar mission in order to determine the urgency for the sloths conservation. On the island of Escudo de Veraguas there are roughly 10 mangrove thickets (or clumps) left on the island. The boundary of each of these thickets were mapped out by a research team of Kaviar, Shockey, and Sundberg. The teams goal was to determine the population status of B. pygmaeus. After the boundaries of each thicket had been mapped and ID with a numbers 1-10 a visual survey of each thicket commenced. Each observer walked throughout every thicket and when a sloth was found their location was recorded by GPS and the sloth was assigned an identity number. Brief data on date and time of day were recorded, along with the sloths physical appearance. In order to prevent the search of the same thicket twice the census for a thicket was finished within the same day. There may have been some sloths that were missed due to being hidden by vegetation or baby sloths being hidden from plain view by blending into to their mothers fur. Through the use of standard deviation this was accounted for in the final population calculations. In the final results 70 pygmy three-toed sloth were observed in the mangrove habitat of the island. Its is important to note that this is only and estimate as there were sloths spotted outside of the mangroves but all were within 20 meters of a thicket. Further data showed that the overall population levels are dependent on the mangrove thicket area. This estimate of B. pygmaeus population size previously had been around 500 individuals on the island. This new estimate, although not necessarily accurate, shows that the population levels of the sloth are dangerously lower [1].
The Main Threat
The pygmy three-toed sloth is under serious threat. The IUCN currently has the species listed as "critically endangered" and the primary threat the sloths are facing are human activities. On the island of Escudo de Veraguas fisherman and indigenous families seasonally populate the island to take advantage of the resources. Unfortunately, the red mangroves of the island have suffered drastically from the activity. People of the island are often cutting the mangroves in order to obtain charcoal. As a result, the mangroves have been heavily fragmented as there are no longer any continuous strips of mangrove forest. This has critically impacted B. pygmaeus population levels, seeing as that the red mangroves are heavily depended on for both food and shelter by the sloths. As the mangroves of the island continue to be fragmented or lost the pygmy three-toed sloth will also continue to decline in numbers. They depend on the mangroves to give them life, just as many other species do. Education and intense conservation needs to happen before its too late and another of earth's precious species is lost [2]
Conservation
![Picture](/uploads/9/3/2/1/93218462/mc-drei-finger-faultier.jpg?420)
Conservation of this little sloth has reached a critical point. Bradypus pygmaeus need more urgent conservation but if they are to survive, the red mangroves they call home need to be protected as well. Both species are at threat to a heavily fragmented, disappearing environment. The Zoological Society of London is just one group that has sprung into action in order to prevent the loss of the mangroves and extinction of the sloth. A team of conservationists has set out onto the island of Escudo de Veraguas to determine how dire the sloths situation is. They are the world's rarest sloth species and their numbers could very well be below 100. This is why the team's project is so important. The small island is the only place the sloths are found. The teams assessment will aid in the process of education for the people of the island. A comprehensive population and habitat survey was preformed in addition to other data gathered. From this a more intensive conservation plan is being developed by working with the islands population to create better conservation strategies for the pygmy three-toed sloth. The goal is to bring together the wildlife authorities of Panama, the local community, and both the national and scientific communities to protect the island habitat, using B. pygmaeus as a flagship species [5].
References
[1] Kaviar, Sam, Jakob Shockey, and Peter Sundberg. "Correction: Observations on the Endemic Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth, Bradypus Pygmaeus of Isla Escudo De Veraguas, Panamá." PLoS ONE 8.10 (2013): n. pag. Web. <http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0049854>.
[2] Voirin, Bryson. "Journal of Mammalogy." Biology and Conservation of the Pygmy Sloth, Bradypus Pygmaeus | Journal of Mammalogy. Journal of Mammalogy, 1 June 2015. Web. 22 Nov. 2016. <http://jmammal.oxfordjournals.org/content/96/4/703>.
[3] Curnick, David, Ellie Dyer, Raj Amin, Lenin Riquelme, James Volrin, and Craig Turner. "A Population and Habitat Assessment of the Pigmy Three-toed Sloth within the Mangrove Forests of Escudo De Veraguas Island, Panama." Academia.edu - Share Research. Oryx- The International Journal of Conservation, 14 Feb. 2013. Web. 22 Nov. 2016. <http://www.academia.edu/9357230/A_Population_and_Habitat_Assessment_of_the_pigmy_three-toed_sloth_within_the_mangrove_forests_of_Escudo_de_Veraguas_island_Panama>.
[4] Curnick, David, Mr, and Diorene Smith Cabellos, Dr. "16. Pygmy Three-toed Sloth." EDGE of Existence. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2016. <http://www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=1396>.
[5] "Pygmy Three-toed Sloth Conservation." Zoological Society of London (ZSL). N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2016. <https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/americas/pygmy-three-toed-sloth-conservation>.
[6] Voirin B. Smith D. Chiarello A. Moraes-Barros N. 2014a. Bradypus pygmaeus. in The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. www.iucnredlist.org.
[2] Voirin, Bryson. "Journal of Mammalogy." Biology and Conservation of the Pygmy Sloth, Bradypus Pygmaeus | Journal of Mammalogy. Journal of Mammalogy, 1 June 2015. Web. 22 Nov. 2016. <http://jmammal.oxfordjournals.org/content/96/4/703>.
[3] Curnick, David, Ellie Dyer, Raj Amin, Lenin Riquelme, James Volrin, and Craig Turner. "A Population and Habitat Assessment of the Pigmy Three-toed Sloth within the Mangrove Forests of Escudo De Veraguas Island, Panama." Academia.edu - Share Research. Oryx- The International Journal of Conservation, 14 Feb. 2013. Web. 22 Nov. 2016. <http://www.academia.edu/9357230/A_Population_and_Habitat_Assessment_of_the_pigmy_three-toed_sloth_within_the_mangrove_forests_of_Escudo_de_Veraguas_island_Panama>.
[4] Curnick, David, Mr, and Diorene Smith Cabellos, Dr. "16. Pygmy Three-toed Sloth." EDGE of Existence. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2016. <http://www.edgeofexistence.org/mammals/species_info.php?id=1396>.
[5] "Pygmy Three-toed Sloth Conservation." Zoological Society of London (ZSL). N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2016. <https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/americas/pygmy-three-toed-sloth-conservation>.
[6] Voirin B. Smith D. Chiarello A. Moraes-Barros N. 2014a. Bradypus pygmaeus. in The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. www.iucnredlist.org.
Image Citations (in descending order)
1. https://pixabay.com/en/nature-animal-sloth-lazy-slow-731238/
2. https://pixabay.com/en/sloth-mammal-animal-cost-rica-318882/
3. https://pixabay.com/en/pygmy-sloth-sloth-bradypus-pygmaeus-62869/
4. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0049854
5. Author: Christian Mehlführer
2. https://pixabay.com/en/sloth-mammal-animal-cost-rica-318882/
3. https://pixabay.com/en/pygmy-sloth-sloth-bradypus-pygmaeus-62869/
4. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0049854
5. Author: Christian Mehlführer