January 2025

Welcome to the first update of the year and issue #41 (already!). All of SloCo’s staff took a little vacation during the holidays and resumed work on January 3rd. But after the brief break, we bounced back into action, fully recharged and ready to roll! 

We want to introduce you to two new sloths: Kristen and Pistachio. These sloths are very special for two reasons: they are the latest additions to our research, but they’ll also be the last ones we track in urban areas.

The Urban Sloth Project aims to understand how urbanization affects sloth behavior in the wild. To do this, we need to compare data collected from sloths living in urbanized areas with those living in healthy habitats, such as primary forests. We have already collared three sloths at La Selva Primary Forest Reserve—Misty, Selvina, and George—but now we need to study more sloths like them.

This research is far from over: 2025 will bring new sloths, new study sites, and all the challenges that come with working in the deep jungle.

But for now, let’s leave the future plans aside and take a look at what’s been happening with the sloths over the past few weeks.

I hope you enjoy the first update of 2025, and once again, thank you for being an incredible supporter of our research. Wishing you a fantastic start to the new year!

All the best from the jungle!