Portuguese – Bicho-Preguiça, Preguiça-de-Coleira do Nordeste, Preguiça

IUCN Red List

Species are classified into one of nine Red List Categories: Extinct, Extinct in the Wild, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Least Concern, Data Deficient and Not Evaluated. Vulnerable, Endangered and Critically Endangered species are considered to be threatened with extinction.

• The generic name, Bradypus, is from the Greek for slow-footed.
• The species name, torquatus, is Latin for collared, due to their dark fur around their neck.
• Both males and females have a black mane. Males’ manes are usually larger and darker.
• The longest single movement that has been recorded was over 300 m in 5.5 hours.

Threats

• Accidents on roads
• Habitat loss and deforestation
• Hunting, used in traditional medicine
• Maned sloth populations are separated by deforestation and building of cities and roads
• Small habitat range

– It is best to observe them from a distance and in silence.
– Our pets could attack them. It is important to keep your dog on a leash when you go for a walk, or keep your pets at home in an enclosed and safe area. In addition, taking care of our pets also means spaying and neutering them so that they do not breed without control.
– Sloths love to live in the woods, keeping them as pets is not good for them. Keep in mind that they don’t like selfies either.
– If you find an injured sloth, contact a wildlife hospital so they can help it.
– Deforestation is often caused to make more land for livestock. Eating less meat may help save our forests.

Bradypus torquatus can be found in the below countries.

Click to learn what other xenarthran species live there too!

Brazil

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The Anteater, Sloth, Armadillo Specialist Group has a store that directly helps xenarthran conservation!