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Sloths may be in danger by the end of the century

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Sloths may be in danger by the end of the century

Sloth Populations at Risk Due to Climate Change

Research published in the journal PeerJ warns that sloth populations in Central and South America are facing a dire threat from climate change. The study, led by zoologist Rebecca Cliffe, indicates that rising temperatures could severely impact the health and survival rates of two-fingered sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni

By analyzing the sloths’ metabolic rates and core body temperatures, researchers found that the projected temperature increases for sloth habitats by 2100 could have profound consequences. Sloths, especially those in high-altitude regions, may struggle to survive the warming temperatures due to their slow metabolism and inability to regulate body temperature effectively.

One of the main concerns is the sharp increase in resting metabolic rate for sloths in higher altitudes when faced with warmer temperatures. This poses a challenge as they may not be able to find cooler habitats to adapt. Even low-altitude sloths, while potentially able to move to higher altitudes, display limitations in their metabolic adaptability, which could threaten their survival.

In addition to metabolic challenges, sloths also face issues with digestion, as their digestion rate is significantly slower than other herbivores. This means that they may struggle to meet their energy needs as temperatures and metabolic rates rise.

Despite the study’s rudimentary climate model, researchers predict that even a small increase in ambient temperature could push high-altitude sloths to a point where they cannot balance their energy consumption with their energy budget. The delicate balance between metabolism, digestion, and habitat temperatures makes sloths highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

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