What the Genomes of Maned Sloths Reveal About Survival and Inbreeding – Technology Networks

Genomic Analysis of Maned Sloths: A Report on Conservation and Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

A genomic study conducted by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) and the Instituto Tamanduá provides critical insights into the conservation status of the Northern (Bradypus torquatus) and Southern (Bradypus crinitus) Maned Sloths. The findings reveal distinct genetic histories and urgent, lineage-specific conservation needs within Brazil’s threatened Atlantic Forest. This research directly informs strategies for achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by providing actionable data for biodiversity preservation and habitat management.

Context: The Atlantic Forest and Global Sustainability Targets

The Atlantic Forest, a global biodiversity hotspot, has been reduced to approximately 8% of its original size due to human activities. The protection of its remaining fragments is crucial for both global biodiversity and climate stability. This aligns with international environmental commitments, such as those to be discussed at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the UNFCCC in Brazil. The conservation of endemic species like the Maned Sloth is a key indicator of progress towards these goals.

• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The study addresses the urgent need to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The preservation of the Atlantic Forest contributes to climate mitigation by serving as a significant carbon sink.

Genomic Investigation and International Collaboration

The research initiative involved a strategic partnership between German and Brazilian institutions, exemplifying SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Scientists sequenced the whole genomes of both Maned Sloth species to analyze their genetic diversity, population history, and genetic health. This advanced scientific approach provides a detailed “blueprint” to understand how past climatic events and recent anthropogenic pressures have impacted the species.

Key Findings and Conservation Implications

The genomic data reveals divergent challenges for the two sloth lineages, necessitating tailored conservation strategies.

Southern Maned Sloth (Bradypus crinitus)

This lineage, currently considered more endangered, exhibits characteristics shaped by historical environmental conditions.

1. Lower Genetic Diversity: The species possesses a smaller gene pool, making it more vulnerable to environmental changes and disease.
2. Smaller Historical Population Sizes: The data indicates a long-term history of smaller populations compared to its northern counterpart.

Northern Maned Sloth (Bradypus torquatus)

Despite historically larger populations, this lineage faces acute modern threats directly linked to recent habitat destruction.

1. Rapid Rise in Inbreeding: A significant increase in the mating of related individuals has been observed in recent decades, a direct consequence of habitat fragmentation.
2. Higher Genetic Load: The population carries a greater number of disadvantageous gene variants, which poses a significant risk if population decline and inbreeding continue.

Recommendations for Aligning Conservation with SDGs

The study’s findings underscore the urgency of implementing targeted conservation actions that support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• Enhance Habitat Connectivity (SDG 15): Establish and restore wildlife corridors between fragmented forest patches in the northern region to mitigate inbreeding and allow for genetic exchange.
• Preserve Genetic Diversity (SDG 15): Implement management plans for the Southern Maned Sloth that focus on protecting remaining populations to safeguard their limited genetic diversity.
• Strengthen Scientific Partnerships (SDG 17): Continue the collaboration between research institutions and local NGOs to monitor the genomic health of sloth populations and adapt conservation strategies based on scientific evidence.
• Integrate Conservation into Climate Policy (SDG 13): Advocate for the protection of the Atlantic Forest in national and international climate policies, recognizing its dual role in preserving biodiversity and regulating climate.

Reference

Arantes LS, De Panis D, Miranda FR, Santos FR, Hiller M, Mazzoni CJ. Genomic signatures in maned three-toed sloths from ancient to recent environmental changes in Brazil’s threatened Atlantic Forest. Mol Ecol. 2025:e70148. doi: 10.1111/mec.70148

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This is the most prominent SDG addressed in the article. The entire text focuses on the conservation of a terrestrial species (Maned Sloth) within a specific ecosystem (Brazil’s Atlantic Forest). It directly discusses threats like deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss, and highlights conservation actions such as scientific research and reforestation, which are central to SDG 15.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article establishes a connection to climate action by mentioning the upcoming “30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).” It explicitly states that biodiversity hotspots like the Atlantic Forest “contribute to a stable global climate – if sufficiently protected,” linking forest conservation and biodiversity directly to climate change mitigation.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article highlights a collaborative effort between the “Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW)” in Germany and the “Brazilian NGO Instituto Tamanduá.” This international, multi-stakeholder partnership, which combines scientific research with on-the-ground conservation action, exemplifies the spirit of SDG 17, particularly in the areas of science, technology, and knowledge sharing.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Targets under SDG 15 (Life on Land)

   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
     
     Explanation: The article is centered on understanding the threats to the “endangered” Maned Sloth to prevent its extinction. The study’s goal is to “offer critical insights for conservation of endangered species” facing threats from “deforestation and habitat fragmentation.”
   • Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
     
     Explanation: The article identifies “deforestation” as a key threat and mentions that the partner NGO, Instituto Tamanduá, is actively involved in “restoring its native habitat through reforestation.”
   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests…
     
     Explanation: The focus on Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, a “highly diverse coastal tropical forest” that has been reduced to “about 8 percent of its original extent,” directly relates to the conservation and restoration of a critical terrestrial ecosystem.

2. Targets under SDG 13 (Climate Action)

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
     
     Explanation: By linking the protection of the Atlantic Forest to a “stable global climate” in the context of the UNFCCC conference, the article implies that biodiversity conservation is an integral part of climate strategy and policy.

3. Targets under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation…
     
     Explanation: The project is a clear example of North-South (Germany-Brazil) scientific cooperation, where scientists from Leibniz-IZW partner with the Brazilian NGO to share knowledge and advanced genomic sequencing technology for conservation purposes.
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources…
     
     Explanation: The collaboration between a research institute and an NGO to “generate new scientific knowledge” and guide “hands-on actions to protect these and other species” is a model multi-stakeholder partnership as described in this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies several specific metrics that can serve as indicators for measuring progress:

• Genetic Diversity Levels: The study explicitly measures and compares the genetic health of the two sloth populations, noting the Southern Maned Sloth “displays lower genetic diversity.” This is a direct indicator of biodiversity status and population resilience (relevant to Target 15.5).
• Rate of Inbreeding: The finding of a “rapid rise in inbreeding” in the Northern Maned Sloth is a quantifiable indicator of the negative effects of habitat fragmentation and population decline (relevant to Target 15.5).
• Extent of Forest Cover: The article states that “only about 8 percent of its original extent remains” of the Atlantic Forest. This percentage is a key indicator used to measure progress on halting deforestation and habitat loss (relevant to Targets 15.1 and 15.2).
• Population Size: The article refers to the “larger current population sizes” of the Northern lineage compared to the Southern one. Population counts are a fundamental indicator for assessing the conservation status of a species (relevant to Target 15.5).
• Number of International Scientific Partnerships: The existence of the partnership between Leibniz-IZW and Instituto Tamanduá is itself an indicator of progress towards international cooperation in science and conservation (relevant to Targets 17.6 and 17.16).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: technologynetworks.com