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Over the last
decade, sloths have stolen hearts all over the world, and it
shows — they're everywhere from t-shirts and tote bags, to
social media, to daytime talk shows making celebrities cry
over their captive cuteness. But while sloths seem abundant in
pop culture, the truth is that subspecies like the three-toed
pygmy sloth are on the brink of extinction. In 2012, experts
estimated there were 79 three-toed pygmy sloths left on the
Isla Escudo De Veraguas, their only home. The most recent data, from 2019, indicates there
may be only 48 pygmy sloths left alive.
The only habitat where these
sloths live is one small island off the coast of Panama, and
that habitat is rapidly disappearing. Human construction and
development has caused rampant deforestation, particularly
targeting the pygmy sloths' beloved mangrove trees.
Theoretically, laws in Panama protect these sloths, but there
has been virtually no enforcement. As a result, poachers and
developers continue to hunt these animals and destroy their
home with absolute impunity. We humans are the
three-toed pygmy sloth's greatest threat. It's up to us to
save them from ourselves. Sign this petition to urge Panamanian lawmakers
to take action now to save these irreplaceable, beloved
sloths.
Thank you for all that you do,
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Miranda
B.
The Care2 Petitions Team |
P.S. Three-toed
pygmy sloths are the smallest sloths on earth, around the size
of a newborn baby. Join us in calling on Panama to prioritize
protecting this unique species. |
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