Anteaters Sloths and Armadillos: Xenarthra - Conservation Status

risk princeton considered iucn

The three-toed sloth, giant armadillo, and pink fairy armadillo are considered Endangered, according to the World Conservation Union (IUCN). These mammals face a very high risk of extinction. Considered Vulnerable, facing a high risk of extinction, by the IUCN are the giant anteater and several species of armadillos in South America. Risk to these xenarthrans is caused mainly by loss of habitat as the rainforest is cleared of trees. Farming and hunting also threaten these populations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Books:

Attenborough, David. The Life of Mammals. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2002.

Dollar, Sam. Anteaters. Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn Publishers, 2001.

Squire, Ann O. Anteaters, Sloths, and Armadillos. New York: Franklin Watts, 1999.

Web sites:

Animal Diversity Web. The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/index.html (accessed on June 30, 2004).

BBC Science & Nature: Animals. "Wildfacts." http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/ (accessed on June 30, 2004).

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