International Sloth Day, observed on 20th October every year, is an opportunity to learn more about Sloth, a fantastic animal and being observed since 2010. The observation focuses on taking steps to avoid them going entirely extinct, as several species of Sloth have already. It is estimated that the number of Sloths living in the wild range from one hundred to several thousand. Many of the Sloth varieties are now listed as critically endangered or vulnerable. Relatively less is known about this animal. These are tree-dwelling tropical mammals of Central and South America. It is a shy, quiet creature and are the slowest-moving mammals on the planet. Another exciting aspect is that though two-fingered and three-fingered sloths look and act similarly, they are not closely related. Their appearance makes the sloths very mysterious, resulting in many myths around them, making them vulnerable to cruelty and mistreatment. Education and awareness are crucial to eliminating these myths. Their physical constitution has been adopted only for hanging and does not support their weight when they stand, making them easy prey for predators. Lack of movement led to inbreeding resulting in a loss of genetic diversity. It is alarming that many baby sloths are born with congenital disabilities. Some movies have the sloth characters like Sid and Brooke in Ice Age.
Every move a sloth makes is with purpose, which is more than most of us can say about 90% of the time.
Ann Burton
International Sloth Day, observed on 20th October every year, is an opportunity to learn more about Sloth, a fantastic animal and being observed since 2010. AIUNAU, a non-profit organisation, proposed the observation of International Sloth Day. Sloths resemble furry bears/monkeys, but their closest relatives are anteaters and armadillos. The observation focuses on taking steps to avoid them going entirely extinct, as several species of Sloth have already. It is estimated that the number of Sloths living in the wild range from one hundred to several thousand. Many of the Sloth varieties are now listed as critically endangered or vulnerable.
The word “sloth” comes from the Middle English word slouthe or slewthe, meaning “laziness.” Relatively less is known about this animal. These are tree-dwelling tropical mammals of Central and South America. It is a shy, quiet creature known for its slow movement. They are the slowest-moving mammals on the planet, and one estimate puts them at 1.5 miles per hour. There are two varieties, two-fingered and three-fingered, that are living now. Researchers point out that it is incorrect to call them “two-toed” and “three-toed” as sloths have three toes on their hind limbs.
The behaviour of animals is very different in captivity. In the case of Sloths, what is known has come from sloths in zoos. They are colour-blind and have poor vision, but they have an excellent sense of smell. It is believed that today’s sloths have evolved from giant ground sloths. Another exciting aspect is that though two-fingered and three-fingered sloths look and act similarly, they are not closely related. Sloth’s fur provides cosy habitat for several invertebrates. Five of the moths are known as sloth moths.
The metabolic rate is slower for Sloths, from among the non-hibernating land mammal. They do not sleep much. Their appearance makes the sloths very mysterious, resulting in many myths around them, making them vulnerable to cruelty and mistreatment. Education and awareness are crucial to eliminating these myths. Their physical constitution has been adopted only for hanging and does not support their weight when they stand, making them easy prey for predators. Lack of movement led to inbreeding resulting in a loss of genetic diversity. It is alarming that many baby sloths are born with congenital disabilities.
Some movies have the sloth characters like Sid and Brooke in Ice Age. An International Sloth Fest, the second in the series, will be organised on Saturday the 22nd in Costa Rica. Online events are also being organised during 16-22 October, the week designated as Sloth Week.
There is a lot that sloths can teach us — respect, tenderness, joy.
Per AIUNAU
Toon: Reema
Log: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
Note: The Sloth Conservation Foundation is doing an excellent job, and a host of information is available on their website (International Sloth Day 2022 – The Sloth Conservation Foundation).
