DEATHS OF SOUTHERN MANED THREE-TOED SLOTH (BRADYPUS CRINITUS, GRAY 1850) IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Threats to the Southern maned sloth

Abstract

The expansion of urban areas has created hostile environments for forest species, negatively impacting biodiversity. Animals that explore anthropized areas can suffer various injuries, such as electrocution and attacks by domestic dogs. Here, we report two fatal incidents involving the threatened Southeastern maned three-toed sloth (Bradypus crinitus, Gray 1850) that occurred in the municipality of Santa Teresa, mountainous region of Espirito Santo, Brazil. One sloth was attacked by a domestic dog, while the other was electrocuted in an urban environment. Both events underscore the need for immediate action to create a less hostile urban environment for the conservation of this species. Properly insulate the electrical wiring, installing wildlife crossings, and running campaigns to encourage residents to keep their dogs on a leash are effective ways to prevent or mitigate these accidents.