Urban Sloth Project: the impacts of habitat disturbance

The Urban Sloth Project is an ongoing, long-term investigation into the impacts of habitat disturbance and rainforest urbanization on wild sloths in Costa Rica. Over the past five years, we have monitored 32 wild sloths using advanced tracking technology and micro data loggers – and we are adding new sloths to the project every month.

Some of these sloths live in pristine primary rainforests, while others navigate highly urbanized ‘concrete jungles’ in towns and cities. We are using the knowledge that we are gaining from this project to develop effective conservation strategies that foster peaceful coexistence between humans and sloths.

For example, we have been able to identify that having access to microclimates is essential for sloths in urban areas to regulate their body temperature. We have also discovered how habitat fragmentation restricts sloth movements and home ranges.

In response, we’ve pinpointed areas where canopy connectivity needs improvement, installing wildlife bridges and implementing reforestation efforts to create safe corridors for sloth movement. Additionally, we are identifying and prioritizing the protection and reforestation of key tree species that are crucial for urban-dwelling sloths.

Sloths in Costa Rica are now considered to be of conservation concern due to habitat loss from agriculture, livestock production, and the increasing urbanization of the rainforest. In line with this, sloths are the most frequently admitted species to rescue centers in Costa Rica.

You can stay connected with the Urban Sloth Project by adopting one of our urban sloths to track their live GPS movements! Alternatively, become one of our Very Important Partners (VIPs) to receive exclusive monthly updates about the lives of the urban sloths we monitor daily.

This project is only possible thanks to the generous support of our community. Thank you for being a valued member of Team Sloth!