Feeding ecology of the maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus): Understanding diet composition and preferences, and prospects for future studies

Abstract

Aspects of the feeding ecology of the threatened maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus Illiger, 1811) are poorly understood. Here, we evaluate the diet composition and the influence of leaf chemical compounds on the consumption of plant species by 10 radio-tracked individuals in southern Bahia and construct a list of plants consumed by the species based on our data and the available literature. We confirmed that the maned sloth is a strict folivore and consumes predominantly young leaves. We reported the consumption of 39 species, from 32 genera and 20 families of plants in southern Bahia, and provide an updated list of 68 species so far reported as consumed by maned sloths. The most frequently consumed species in southern Bahia belong to the genera Emmotum, Inga, Ficus and Brosimum, totalling almost half of the maned sloth's diet. Nevertheless, only Ficus spp. were widely consumed by maned sloths elsewhere. The low consumption of Cecropia spp. suggests that maned sloth's diet is not strongly linked to these taxa as reported for other Bradypus. None of the evaluated chemical compounds had a significant effect on the choice of plants consumed. Altogether, the available data indicated that the maned sloth is a generalist at the species level. In addition to morphological and physiological adaptations, it deals with the challenges of a foliage-based diet by selecting young leaves. Our update on maned sloth's diet may be used to overcome the difficulties of keeping and reproducing them in captivity and support actions that aim to recover their habitat.

What, where, and how: a spatiotemporally explicit analysis of the drivers of habitat loss within the range of maned three‐toed sloths (Bradypus torquatus and Bradypus crinitus)

“…2016), and although individual maned sloths may use some shade‐intolerant tree species, their suite of trees used as a food sources or for other daily activities is locally concentrated in a few species from different ecological groups (Chiarello 1998a, Giné et al. 2022, Mureb et al. 2023).…”

“…Forests in human-altered landscapes are prone to negative interactions with non-habitat areas, altering the climatic conditions and structure of the forest (Santos et al 2008, Rocha-Santos et al 2016. Seed germination from shade-tolerant trees may be hindered (Rocha-Santos et al 2016), and although individual maned sloths may use some shade-intolerant tree species, their suite of trees used as a food sources or for other daily activities is locally concentrated in a few species from different ecological groups (Chiarello 1998a, Giné et al 2022, Mureb et al 2023. Furthermore, forests near pastures face challenges such as cattle intrusion, leading to soil compaction and reduced plant seedling survival (Ali et al 2020, Searle & Meyer 2020, Mochi et al 2022.…”