Trade of two sloth species in high demand due to their popularity among ‘selfie tourists’ will soon be subject to stricter rules.
The new restrictions were approved at a recent CITES summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. CITES is a global wildlife trade convention that regulates trade in threatened animal and plant species and counts 184 countries plus the European Union among its signatories.
Brazil, Costa Rica and Panama tabled the proposal to improve protection for Linné’s two-toed sloth and Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, both native to the Amazon.
Representatives from the three countries highlighted the increasing prevalence of sloths being taken from their forest habitats to be used as attractions for tourists across South America.
Sloths’ peaceful, calm nature and seemingly permanent smiling expression makes them a popular target for commercial operators selling wildlife encounter experiences to visitors.
Researchers have also identified cases of baby sloths being sold as exotic pets and even exported to petting zoos in the United States with little to no oversight.
The two species are now included in CITES Appendix II, which lists species that are not currently threatened with extinction but which may become so unless trade is controlled.
International trade of species included in Appendix II is only allowed under special conditions and requires parties to obtain specific permits or certificates.
The move “is an important and long overdue step for sloth protection,” said The Sloth Conservation Foundation, a UK & Costa Rica-registred non-profit organization.
“We understand why people are drawn to sloths. They are charming animals, and many people on social media tell us they would love to hug one or even keep one as a pet.
“This usually comes from misinformation, not malice. Once people learn what really happens behind petting zoos and sloth selfies, they usually change their minds and learn to appreciate sloths from a respectful distance.”
