Protected by the following WLT projects:
The Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil (see note below)
The Maned Three-toed Sloth, also known as the Maned Sloth, is the rarest of the sloth species and is endemic to Brazil. Its name derives from the black mane of hairs running down the back of its neck. The coat of the Maned Sloth is cream and tan and is frequently tinged with blue-green algae that lives in the grooves in the hair keeping them well camouflaged in trees. Sloths are characterised by their long limbs, short bodies and stumpy tails. The Maned Three-toed Sloth has three fingers that end in long curved claws which they use to hook over branches enabling them to move with ease among branches.
The Maned Three-toed Sloth is found in the Atlantic coastal forests of eastern Brazil, where World Land Trust (WLT) supports Reserva Ecológica de Guapi Assu (REGUA). It is not known for certain whether the species occurs within the Guapi Assu reserve, but REGUA is known to shelter another sloth species, the Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth.
Threats and Conservation
In the past the Maned Sloth has been excessively hunted by humans for their meat and by Jaguar and other predators. Despite legal protection they are increasingly threatened by loss of habitat due to logging, industrialisation and clearance for plantations and pasture.