Sloths face several significant threats that jeopardise their survival and put all species at risk, including:
Habitat Loss: Deforestation and habitat destruction are the most critical threats to sloths. As forests are cleared for agriculture, urban development, and logging, sloths lose their natural habitats, leading to population declines.
Road Accidents & Electrocution: The fragmentation of their habitat as human infrastructure expands has led to countless sloths being hit by vehicles when attempting to cross roads and electrocuted when mistaking powerlines for branches and vines.
Illegal Wildlife Trade: Sadly, the rise in their popularity has seen a steep incline of sloths captured and sold as pets or for use in the tourism industry. More and more people started to visit unethical 'sanctuaries' and parks to take 'sloth selfies', which incentivised rampant poaching.
Climate Change: Changes in climate patterns can affect food availability and suitable habitats for sloths. Shifts in temperature and precipitation can alter the ecosystems sloths depend on, making it harder for them to survive.
Predation: Sloths have some natural predators, such as jaguars and harpy eagles, and sadly, human-induced changes can increase their vulnerability. For instance, habitat fragmentation can make sloths more accessible to predators.
Diseases: Emerging diseases, possibly exacerbated by climate change and habitat disturbance, can affect sloth populations. Diseases can spread more easily now they live in a reduced range.
Pollution: Pollution, including pesticide use and plastic waste, can harm sloths. Chemical pollutants can contaminate their food sources, and plastic debris can cause injuries or entanglement.