A recent study in Costa Rica has provided new insights into the activity patterns of two sloth species, Bradypus variegatus and Choloepus hoffmanni, by employing micro data loggers. Conducted in the Caribbean’s lowland rainforests, researchers monitored the sloths’ behaviors over extended periods, revealing their cathemeral activity patterns characterized by irregular activity throughout the day. This flexibility allows sloths to adapt to changing environmental conditions while enhancing their survival chances. Notably, daily temperature changes did not significantly affect their activity; however, Bradypus sloths displayed increased nocturnal behavior during colder conditions, indicating some temperature influence.
Lead researcher Dr. Rebecca Cliffe emphasized that understanding these sloths’ behavioral ecology is crucial for conservation efforts, especially in the context of climate change and human impact on ecosystems. The findings underscore the need to preserve tropical rainforests and their biodiversity, as the knowledge gained could inform effective strategies to protect these species and their habitats. The innovative use of micro data loggers opens new avenues for studying elusive wildlife, inviting further research into the behavioral ecology of other species facing similar environmental threats. The study was published on May 29, 2023, in PeerJ Life & Environment.
