Biodiversity Photo Of The Day: Maned Sloth

The Maned Sloth, Bradypus torquatus, is classified as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is only found in the remaining fragments of the Atlantic Forest of eastern and northeastern Brazil.

This slow-moving, arboreal mammal feeds on the leaves of a very limited number of plants. Its survival is threatened by the continued loss and fragmentation of suitable habitat. Maned Sloths are often killed out of curiosity, but may also be victims of subsistence hunting. There are three genetically distinct isolated populations across the Atlantic Forest, which represent independent targets for conservation efforts.

Halting deforestation is the key to saving the Maned Sloth from extinction. Research on the genetically divergent populations should be promoted to better understand their conservation needs. In view of their low genetic diversity, habitat restoration and corridors are needed to connect the subpopulations within the three main populations.

Source: IUCN Red List

With mounting scientific evidence of a serious extinction crisis, it’s time to take action. “The latest analysis of the IUCN Red List shows the 2010 target to reduce biodiversity loss will not be met,” says Jane Smart, Director of IUCN’s Biodiversity Conservation Group. “It’s time for governments to get serious about saving species and make sure it’s high on their agendas for next year, as we’re rapidly running out of time.”