Big news for Costa Rica’s iconic sloths! In a victory for wildlife conservation, the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has voted to add two species of two-toed sloths to Appendix II, offering them crucial international protection. This landmark decision, made during the CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP20) in Uzbekistan, aims to combat the increasing threat of illegal capture and trade that endangers these gentle creatures.
Safeguarding Sloths: A Collaborative Effort
The unanimous approval encompasses both Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus). This listing means that international trade of these sloths will now require permits, a vital step towards curbing their exploitation in the pet market, tourism industry, and zoos. Costa Rica, alongside Brazil and Panama, spearheaded the proposal, recognizing the urgent need for heightened protection. Wildlife experts have observed significant population declines in regions across Central America, Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil over the past decade due to rising demand.
The Plight of the Two-Toed Sloth
Why are these sloths so vulnerable? Their slow movements and nocturnal habits make them easy targets for traffickers. Once captured, these animals face staggering mortality rates, with estimates suggesting that 80% to 90% perish during transport or shortly after due to stress and inadequate living conditions. Sadly, in Costa Rica, cases have been reported where sloths, including mothers and their young, are snatched from their forest homes to be used as attractions at unregulated tourist destinations, perpetuating a cruel cycle of abuse.
The Devastating Impact of Captivity
Grettel Delgadillo, director of programs and policies at Humane World for Animals Costa Rica, was present at the CoP20 in Uzbekistan to advocate for stronger protections. She emphasized the immense suffering sloths endure in captivity, often kept awake for extended periods to provide photo opportunities for tourists. “These animals naturally sleep 15 to 20 hours a day in the wild,” Delgadillo explained. “Forcing them into constant activity severely compromises their health and significantly shortens their lives.”
The Global Reach of the Sloth Trade
The problem extends far beyond Costa Rica’s borders. The pet trade and tourism industries have fueled a global demand for sloths. Even in the United States, an estimated 130 facilities offer sloth encounters, many of which source animals through illegal channels. These new CITES protections represent a crucial first step for two-toed sloths, providing tools to monitor and regulate trade while shedding light on the broader issue of wildlife exploitation. It’s important to note that owning exotic animals as pets is increasingly scrutinized, as conservationists highlight the suffering and ecological damage it causes. Many U.S. states have laws regulating or banning the possession of exotic animals. For example, according to Born Free USA, states like California, Hawaii, and New York have some of the strictest regulations on private exotic animal ownership.
Costa Rica’s Commitment to Conservation
Costa Rican officials have underscored the local impact of the sloth trade. In areas such as the Caribbean coast and the central highlands, sloth populations have dwindled due to poaching driven by the demand for exotic pets and tourist attractions. The joint proposal by Costa Rica, Brazil, and Panama garnered support from organizations like the International Fund for Animal Welfare and World Animal Protection, who have long advocated for stronger measures to combat overexploitation.
What Appendix II Means for Sloth Conservation
This decision empowers Costa Rica’s conservation teams, who work alongside international partners to intercept smuggling operations. While Appendix II doesn’t completely prohibit trade, it mandates sustainable practices and requires detailed documentation. This helps authorities track and reduce illegal activities. Think of it as a system that requires sellers to prove their sloths were obtained legally and sustainably. Without proper documentation, no sale is permitted.
Moving Forward: Education and Ethical Tourism
While this decision is a significant victory, local advocates emphasize the need for continued vigilance. Education campaigns in Costa Rica are crucial to informing tourists about the harmful effects of wildlife interactions, promoting ethical viewing of sloths in their natural habitats instead. For example, guides now teach visitors the importance of observing sloths from a distance and avoiding feeding them, as human food can harm their digestive systems. The CITES approval reflects a growing global awareness of biodiversity loss in Latin America. With sloths serving as iconic symbols of Costa Rican forests, this measure supports broader efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems from human pressures. Ethical tourism, where visitors respect the animals’ natural behaviors and habitats, is key to ensuring their survival.
Want to learn more about Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity and how you can support ethical tourism during your visit? Explore our website for information on responsible travel and conservation efforts!
