Onw of the most impressive sloth facts for kids: although sloths can’t move their eyes, they can rotate their head 270 degrees, which is handy when swimming! Not all sloths are endangered but many are facing losing their natural habitats because of deforestation in Central and Southern America.
Ultimately the decline of sloth populations is due to deforestation and urbanization, which have resulted in a multitude of risks for sloths. Due to habitat loss sloths are coming down to the ground more frequently , and are therefore vulnerable to dog attacks, car strikes, and poaching.
Two of the six species of sloths rate high on the IUCN Red List of endangered animals. The pygmy three-toed sloth is “Critically Endangered” and the maned three-toed sloth is considered “Vulnerable.”.
Why is the pygmy three-toed sloth endangered?
Bradypus pygmaeus, known as pygmy three-toed sloth, is a critically endangered species because of human threats and predators .
The most common reasons that the pygmy sloth is going endangered are Humans and poaching . Humans- Humans are cutting down the red mangrove trees in which the pygmy three toed sloth lives in. Because they live in such a small area, this makes it hard for the sloths to survive .
What threats do sloths face?
What threats do sloths face? Though not all sloths are endangered, some of the six species are threatened by habitat loss. Deforestation in the tropical forests of South and Central America jeopardize the trees sloths rely on for food and shelter.
Why do sloths live in the forest?
The trees provide a natural protection from predators such as jaguars and eagles; it’s safer for sloths to remain motionless and camouflaged off the ground . They will, however, venture down on rare occasions to find more food or a mate.
Some articles claimed Loss of trees means animals are forced to live on smaller areas of land that can’t support healthy populations. WWF works with communities, governments, companies and other partners to protect forests and the animals that rely on them. Read on for some questions and answers about sloths.