efforts to save the sloth
LAWS AND REGULATIONS
The pygmy sloth is protected under CITES, an international agreement that is designed to regulate the poaching and trade of wildlife species (EDGE).
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International organizations, such as the IUCN, gather data on sloth populations. Members from the IUCN were even the ones who achieved CITES protection for this animal. The Animal Welfare Institute is another international organization that has been integral in advocating for policy change. It petitioned the US government to add the species to the Endangered Species Act, in order to further prevent imports into the United States (EDGE).
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Nationally, the Panamanian government has required permits for all tourism. The sloth's habitat is protected by the National Environmental Authority, and the National Department of Wildlife and Protected Areas's job is to enforce these protections. However, it lacks the resources to do so effectively.
Image Credit: IUCN
Research and technology
One of the main contributors to pygmy sloth research is EDGE of Existence. Their research team surveys permanent transects semi-annually to gain information on changes in population over time. In their experiments, radio collars are also put on the sloths in order to track their day-to-day movements. GPS and backpack tracking is utilized to observe changes in habitat over different seasons. "Mataki" is a private sector technology company that has developed tags to be glued to the animal's fur. Data is sent to personal devices, which makes it convenient and more financially feasible than other options (EDGE).
Contributing parties
Alongside EDGE as conservation organizations is APRORENAB and CEASPA. APRORENAB is and NGO run by local people that trains and educates others in the community about conservation. CEASPA is a policy activism organization that promotes economic growth and advocates for indigenous peoples, with conservation efforts.
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The private sector is also sometimes involved. For example, the Disney Conservation Fund is a sponsor of EDGE's research.
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The Fishermen's Association of Kusapin is responsible for making sure that aquatic habitats are being utilized sustainably and safely by fishermen and divers (EDGE).
Community-based Conservation
Local people are educated through workshops that empower them to recognize their ownership of the natural resources and the benefits of preserving them for sustained income over time, with a special focus on the importance of women in this situation. They are educated on alternatives to fishing and diving to earn an income. For example, there are efforts to get the people involved in sustainable tourism through tour guidance or making and selling crafts to tourists. The local people can also assist with research projects (EDGE). Lastly, sanctuaries that focus on the rehabilitation of sloths are also valuable tools for conservation.
Video Credit: National Geographic
Creative Education
Conservation, especially of the pygmy sloth, is a mandatory part of compulsory education on Escudo. Young school children are taught about the sloth through puppet shows and activity books. High school students partake in a contest, where they compete to design the best plan for community conservation. Instilling a passion for wildlife from a young age is important in Panama because it helps the children be informed about their environmental impacts as they may enter the workforce as fishermen and divers (EDGE).