Sloths are known to be one the slowest moving mammals on the planet, due to their slow metabolism. Every move they make is purposeful. They spend their lives hanging upside down from branches in the canopy of the rainforests, until they need to come to ground to go to the toilet. Sloths have are specially adapted for this upside down lifestyle.
Edge of Extinction
The biggest threat they face for survival is loss of habitat. The rainforests they call home are being destroyed for large-scale agriculture, logging, and housing developments. This means that they are losing areas of food sources and access to breeding partners. Sloths are adapted to a life in the trees, so when they come to ground they are extremely vulnerable and not the best at moving along on the ground. Whilst trying to find a new patch of rainforest they are often hit by vehicles on roads, or they will climb the electricity pylons and suffer horrendous injuries from electrocution.
Why are Sloth important?
Sloths play a vital role in helping to maintain the health and balance on their ecosystem in the rainforest. Their diet generally consists of leaves, this allows for sunlight to reach through into the rainforest, allowing other plants to germinate and grow. They also contribute to the nutrient cycles and aid dispersal through their droppings. The Sloth itself actually provides a home to the very special Sloth Moth, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two species. They are also a food source for natural predators in the ecosystem.
What’s the plan?
Wild Discovery has chosen to support The Sloth Institute. This project has a dedicated base out on Costa Rica and their mission is complimentary to that of Wild Discovery “To enhance and expand the welfare and conservation of sloths.” At the base they have a dedicated team that rescue, rehabilitate and release any orphaned and injured sloths. Research is conducted on captive, wild and recently release sloths. They help educate general public and public servants on responsible tourism, accurate sloth information and rescue techniques. Installing Sloth Speedways in areas where their habitat has been fragmented.
Our involvement
Here at Wild Discovery we care for Santiago a Linne’s Two-Toed Sloth. He is an ambassador species for all other sloth species in the wild. Through our educational information and encounters we can engage with people and showcase the beauty of these animals and the discuss the treats that his counterparts face in the wild. Through our conservation fundraising events we also raise vital funds to support the work of The Sloth Institute based out in Costa Rica.
How can you help?
Spread the word about this species and the extinction crisis that it is facing. More people that know the reasons why the species is facing extinction the more we can do to help save the species.
Buy one of our #wildconservation wristbands from the gift shop, 100% of the proceeds go directly to the conservation projects.
Or make a donation by clicking here to our Conservation Projects Fund.
Useful links
The Sloth Institute www.theslothinstitute.org