Colombia, known for its rich biodiversity, is home to several sloth species. These tree-dwelling mammals are well-adapted to the country’s extensive forested areas, highlighting its importance as a Neotropical biodiversity hotspot.
Sloth Species in Colombia
Colombia is home to three recognized sloth species: two-toed sloths (Choloepus) and three-toed sloths (Bradypus). Two-toed species include Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus). Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths have a compact body, short, stocky limbs, long, curved claws, and shaggy grayish-brown fur. They are more active and move faster than their three-toed counterparts. Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths are larger, with longer hair and more equally proportioned forelegs and hindlegs.
The brown-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is the most widespread three-toed species in Colombia. These sloths are distinguished by dark facial markings that give them a “smiling” appearance. The pale-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus tridactylus) also inhabits Colombia. Similar in size to the brown-throated sloth, this species is identified by its bright yellow face, white throat, and mottled fur. All sloths have three claws on their hind limbs, but the two-toed versus three-toed classification refers to the number of digits on their forelimbs.
Colombian Sloth Habitats
Sloths in Colombia inhabit various forested environments, including tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and dry forests. These arboreal mammals rely on continuous tree canopies for diet, shelter, and movement. The brown-throated three-toed sloth inhabits the Pacific and Amazonian lowland rainforests, and the Caribbean savanna dry forests.
Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths inhabit a wider range, including the Pacific rainforest, Caribbean savanna dry forest, and Andean montane forests. They are found in northern and western Colombia, extending into Andean regions up to 3,200 meters. The southern two-toed sloth lives in the lowland Amazonian rainforests of Colombia. Sloths can be observed in national parks like Tayrona and Puracé, and Macanal Forest Reserve. Colombia’s cloud forests in the Northern and Western Andes also provide suitable habitats.
Conservation of Colombian Sloths
Sloths in Colombia face significant threats, primarily habitat loss and fragmentation. Deforestation, driven by ranching, agriculture, and urban expansion, destroys their forest homes. Extensive deforestation, with over 100,000 hectares of natural forest lost annually, directly impacts sloth populations. When arboreal habitats are destroyed, sloths are often forced to descend to the ground, exposing them to predation and accidents.
The illegal wildlife trade also poses a substantial threat. This illicit activity is considered the third most profitable criminal enterprise in the country. Hundreds of young sloths are poached annually and sold as pets, often to unsuspecting tourists. An estimated 80% to 90% of trafficked sloths do not survive due to capture stress, improper care, and specialized dietary needs. The cultivation of coca plants for drug production further contributes to widespread deforestation, endangering habitats.
While none of Colombia’s sloth species are currently listed as conservation concerns by the Ministry of the Environment, partly due to a lack of long-term studies and formal population estimates. Organizations like Fundación Aiunau in Medellín rehabilitate sloths from illegal trade and advocate for protection. Initiatives like Proyecto Tití focus on reforestation and community involvement to restore and protect habitats. Decreto 1608/1978, a general law, prohibits the hunting, possession, and trafficking of Colombian wildlife, providing a legal framework.