Sloths, anteaters and armadillos: the past, present and future of xenarthrans

Around 65 to 100 million years ago one of the most ancient groups of mammals started branching off into some of the most unusual – and adorable – Neotropical creatures present today.

Over millions of years, the Xenarthra clade evolved into guinea pig size creatures to megafauna including massive ground sloths and armadillos the size of small cars! Learn the past, present, and future of this amazing clade.

Why we need sloths and how you can help!

Sloths play an important role in the tropical forests of the Americas. From being ecosystem engineers, to pooping in a unique manner, to hosting an exceptional microbiome in their fur – there are many reasons why sloths are worth saving. While sadly all sloth populations are in decline, the good news is there are simple solutions on how you can help save them.  Watch this video to learn how you can be a superhero for sloths and their close relatives.

The amazing world of anteaters and how you can help them!

In the Order Pilosa there is a subgroup of ant and termite eating mammals called Vermilingua . These hairy, worm-tongued creatures inhabit a range of ecosystems including dry tropical forests, rainforests, grasslands, and savannas. Watch this video to learn how you can be an ambassador for anteaters and their close Xenarthran relatives.

Why we need armadillos and how you can help!

The diversity of armadillos is truly astonishing. There are silent ones and screaming ones, hairy species and fairy species, minute and monstrous. Armadillos are the only mammals that have a carapace or dorsal armor made of small bony plates. Watch the video to learn why we need armadillos and how you can help!