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Pygmy Three-toed Sloth
Bradypus pygmaeus
The world's smallest sloth swims between mangroves on one tiny Caribbean island — and exists nowhere else.
- Range
- Panama
- Region
- Central America
- Habitat
- Red mangrove fringes of Isla Escudo de Veraguas, 17 km off Panama's coast
The story
Marooned on Isla Escudo for 9,000 years, the pygmy sloth shrank to half the weight of their mainland cousins. Their fate depends on a few square kilometres of mangrove, now the focus of protection agreements with the local Ngäbe communities who steward the island.
What's killing them
- Mangrove cutting
- Tiny single-island range
- Visiting fishers and tourism pressure
Who's fighting for them
ZSL EDGEZoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence
Re:wildRe:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation
Conservation InternationalConservation International
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Quick answers
How many Pygmy Three-toed Sloths are left in the world?
Approximately ~500–1,500. The Pygmy Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth live?
The Pygmy Three-toed Sloth is found in Panama (Central America). Their habitat: Red mangrove fringes of Isla Escudo de Veraguas, 17 km off Panama's coast.
Why is the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth endangered?
The main threats to the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth are: Mangrove cutting; Tiny single-island range; Visiting fishers and tourism pressure.
Who is working to save the Pygmy Three-toed Sloth?
Organisations working on Pygmy Three-toed Sloth conservation include Zoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence; Re:wild — Global Wildlife Conservation; Conservation International.