Pygmy Sloth
Conservation Project
• This project was established in 2011 with the vision of researchers from the EDGE of Existence Programme of Zoological Society of London. Since then, the researchers have provided long-term support for the conservation of this highly threatened species.
(Three Toed Pygmy Sloth)
• Panamanian researcher and EDGE fellow, Diorene Smith Cabellos, leads the Pygmy Sloth Conservation Project. Diorene is also a member of the IUCN SSC Anteater, Sloth and Armadillo Specialist Group .
• The project started in 2013 and is administered under three components: research, education, and conservation. (Saving the Pygmy Sloth from Extinction)
• The main goal of the project is to get governmental, environmental, and regional support for the conservation of Pygmy sloths using a scientific basis. Other goals include raising awareness, increasing knowledge about the species, and getting a better understanding of the threats faced by the species.
• The project has three components:
o Research: Long-term monitoring and studies of the Pygmy sloth population to understand the biology and ecology of the species.
o Education: With the help of indigenous authorities and island inhabitants, to create awareness for the conservation of the species and provide sustainable ways to use the island’s resources via education programs and workshops in local communities.
o Conservation: Establishing connections with other organizations, capacity building and strengthening efforts. Elaborating and implementing a plan for the conservation of Pygmy sloths on the island of Escudo with the help of the indigenous authorities and the Panamanian government.
Would you like to support Pygmy sloth conservation?
The island is a protected area, so it is required that you formally notify the authorities of the Ministry of Environment prior to your visit.
The Island of Escudo de Veraguas is part of the Ngäbe- Buglé Region heritage. You need to notify and obtain permission from the region’s environmental authorities before entering the island.
Camping or anchoring of personal boats is not allowed without the permission of the environmental and regional authorities.
You can only enter the island with authorized guides.
Pets are not allowed on the island.
Manipulating or removing flora and fauna is prohibited. This is especially true for Pygmy sloths, which are one of the most vulnerable species on the island. (Stop Animal Selfies ).
Do not leave organic or inorganic wastes on the island.
You can also support our conservation efforts through a donation.
Research
• Additionally, these transects are used to collect information about anthropogenic disturbances that may represent a threat to the sloths or their habitat.
• 10 adult Pygmy sloths have been successfully equipped with GPS collars. Data from these collars allow us to estimate the home range and habitat use of Pygmy sloths.
• As the diet of Pygmy sloths is poorly known, a study has been initiated in 2019 to identify the trees in the forests on the island that the Pygmy sloths use for food and shelter.
Education
• Educational activities are aimed at children and young adults attending schools in the Kusapín District, which is part of the Ngäbe – Buglé region. The island is mainly used by these communities.
• Some of the activities carried out so far include: puppet plays with the theme of conserving the Pygmy sloth habitat, distributing over 500 “Conserving the Degó Pygmy Sloth” pamphlets to children aged 7-12, and providing schools with banners containing information about Pygmy sloths. High school students have also participated in the competition called “Let’s Conserve the Degó Pygmy Sloths”, in which they promoted the conservation of Pygmy sloths in their communities.
Conservation
• Since 2014, over 10 workshops have been held for artisanal fishermen, divers, and tour operators living in communities near Escudo. Local and governmental authorities, NGOs, and other local institutions have also participated in the workshops.
• Annual workshops have allowed to compile information about the resources on Escudo Island and the Pygmy sloths. During these workshops, the locals helped identify threats to the species, developed a map of the island, and discussed possible sustainable solutions and alternatives to increase protection of the island.
• With the help of national and international institutions, each year the workshops help strengthen local networks as well as the participation of the communties, local authorities and the government. The goal is to develop an efficient and active management plan for the island to enhance the conservation of Pygmy sloths and all other species living on the Escudo de Veraguas.
Donations
All donations are received and administered by Nurtured by Nature, a non-profit organization that closely works with the IUCN SSC Anteater, Sloth and Armadillo Specialist Group in several conservation projects.
One of Nurtured by Nature´s priority programs is the Pygmy Sloth Conservation Project. Nurtured by Nature does not charge any administrative costs, so that all donations will be entirely used to support pygmy sloth research and conservation efforts.
Thank you for your support!
