The conservation status of all sloth species was reassessed in May and June 2010 by the IUCN/SSC Anteater, Sloth and Armadillo Specialist Group. Four out of six species were categorized as Least Concern. Two sloths were classified in a threatened category according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; Bradypus torquatus was listed as Vulnerable, and Bradypus pygmaeus as Critically Endangered. Sloths are mainly threatened by hunting, illegal pet trade, and by habitat degradation and fragmentation. According to the 2010 assessment, the taxonomy of all six species requires further research. Data on their population size, range, and dynamics, as well as their life history, is still insufficient.
Edentata
Vol. 11 • No. 2
December 2010
Vol. 11 • No. 2
December 2010
Bradypus
Choloepus
conservation status
Pilosa
threats
Xenarthra
