Connecting Habitats for the Endangered Maned Sloths in Brazil
We donated five Sloth Crossing canopy bridges to help reconnect fragmented forest habitats in Mata de São João, Bahia, Brazil, home to the rare and endangered Northern Maned Sloth (Bradypus torquatus).
The bridges were installed by our friends and colleagues of Projeto Conecta-Vidas, an initiative inspired by our Connected Gardens Project and led by Aruá Observação de Vida Silvestre in partnership with the Applied Ecology and Conservation Lab from the State University of Santa Cruz (LEAC/UESC).
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Connecting The Critical Habitat of the Atlantic Forest
From March 10 to 15, 2025, the Conecta-Vidas team installed the five canopy bridges near Praia Do Forte, in a forest remnant, which is about 950 hectares and part of the Quintas do Castelo allotment. It connects two large forest fragments in the region: the Sapiranga Wildlife Refuge, which spans approximately 757 hectares, and the Camurujipe and Curralinho farms, covering around 4,000 hectares. The newly installed canopy bridges help link these critical areas, providing safe passage for wildlife.
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This region provides critical habitat for the Northern Maned Sloth and the bristle-spined rat (Chaetomys subspinosus), another species endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Both species are classified as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
The SloCo team visited this area in 2021, where we met Professor Gastón Giné to provide ten GPS devices to study the ecology of the maned sloths in Reserva Sapiranga.
The Importance of Conservation for the Maned Sloth
The Northern Maned Sloth is one of the most unique and threatened species of the Atlantic Forest. Due to its slow-moving nature and specialized diet, it is particularly vulnerable to habitat loss. As deforestation shrinks its habitat, isolated populations face an increased risk of inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity.
Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and connectivity projects, are essential for ensuring the survival of this species. Supporting initiatives like Conecta-Vidas can help secure a future where the Northern Maned Sloth thrives in its natural environment.
The Conecta-Vidas Project is dedicated to implementing key conservation actions outlined in Brazil’s National Action Plans for the Conservation of Atlantic Forest Primates and the Maned Sloth, as well as the Conservation Plan for the Black Porcupine. This initiative integrates wildlife crossings, research, citizen science, environmental education, and scientific tourism to promote biodiversity protection. Conecta-Vidas has already installed 14 bridges, and with our five donated Sloth Crossings, the total now stands at 19.
Looking Ahead with this partnership
Protecting the Northern Maned Sloth and other vulnerable species requires ongoing commitment. The work of our colleagues in Brazil and our work in Costa Rica are part of a larger effort to protect all sloth species across the continent.
These five newly installed bridges are now part of the growing network of more than 340 Sloth Crossings. You can locate them on the map below.
We want to thank Luciana Verissimo, Cosme Guimarães, Gastón Giné, Camila Cassano, Cidália Mayana Souza Santiago, Gabriel Nascimento dos Santos, and all other collaborators in Brazil for working towards habitat restoration and, along with the local community.
By supporting initiatives like Conecta-Vidas, we can help secure a future where the Northern Maned Sloth thrives in its natural environment.
Support this project by sponsoring a Sloth Crossing canopy bridge or by making a donation!
-Cecilia Pamich
Communications & Outreach
