Threatened species - Bradypus Torquatus Coursework - 1

Threatened species - Bradypus Torquatus - Coursework ExampleThe causes of deforestation are farming and urbanization. The size of the Atlantic forest, locally called as the Mata Atlantica, has been reduced to 10% of its original size (Hance, 2010). Gravely affected with such change in landscape are the maned sloths, because an individual needs as much as a hectare as habitat. As well, contributing in the increased risk of their extinction is the fact that their set size is 1 and there are only 15-20 births between February and April, although the absence of distinctive mane among juveniles allows them to hide in their mothers fur. These slow-moving animals that extend 60-80% of their time resting is susceptible to become prey to mammalian predators (Hayssen, 2009).Thus, this species is already enlisted as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Since human practise has a large part in it, ways on allowing harmonious co-existence between humans an d wild animals must thus be determined in advance this endangered species become extinct.Studies are thus being made to identify effective means for humans to better protect B, torquatus and to facilitate the increase in the population of this animal. Since much of the problem concerns the habitat, one of the studies conducted tried to determine whether cacao agroforest, locally called as cabrucas, interspersed between the remaining patches of Atlantic forests can serve as a habitat for this endangered species. Agroforestry has long been suggested as a solution to decreasing wildlife population partly caused by human-initiated landscape changes. This way, humans can produce a livelihood, while providing habitat to displaced animals as well.For 40 months, Cassano and her colleagues (2011) monitored three maned sloths living in the Cabana de Serra farm containing primary and secondary forests interspersed with shaded cacao and rubber tree plantations. in that location were also swa mp and pastures. The sloths