Protecting an Endangered Species: The Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth

There are six species of sloths around the world and two of these species are considered endangered. The smallest species, the pygmy three-toed sloth, is considered critically endangered. At Critter Guard, we strive to help protect wildlife and endangered species from unshielded power lines and other electrical equipment. Keep reading to discover how our humane wildlife control products can help protect the endangered pygmy three-toed sloth.

Characteristics of the Pygmy Three-Toed Sloths

Pygmy three-toed sloths primarily live on the island of Escudo de Veragua, a small island off the Caribbean coast of Panama. They prefer living in the mangrove trees that line the edges of the island and mainly feed on mangrove leaves. These smaller sloths typically weigh between 5.5-7.7 pounds as adults, which leaves them vulnerable to a wider range of threats than their larger relatives.

Common Threats to Pygmy Three-Toed Sloths

Since pygmy three-toed sloths are native to a very small area in comparison to most other species, the threats they face to their habitat and other aspects of their livelihood have classified them as critically endangered. Recent data indicates that there may even be fewer than 50 of these tiny sloths left in the wild. Logging in the mangrove forests where they live is quickly shrinking their homes and access to the mangrove leaves they eat. Feral cats and visitors to the small island off the coast of Panama also pose significant threats to the sloths.

Another threat to this endangered species are unshielded power lines. Due to logging and the loss of their habitat, these sloths are found closer to human civilization, accessing power lines and other electrical equipment to travel and move around. This puts these sloths at risk of electrocution.

Help Protect Pygmy Three-Toed Sloths with Critter Guard

In order to help protect the endangered pygmy three-toed sloth and prevent these critters from accessing power lines and other dangerous electrical equipment, proper humane wildlife control measures should be put in place. Our Line Guard product is designed to help keep critters from hanging and swinging from power lines, while our Pole Guard product makes it more difficult for these animals to access your power lines in the first place by forming a barrier that keeps critters off utility poles.

To learn more about our humane wildlife control products and how they can help protect endangered species such as the pygmy three-toed sloth, contact us today!