DOES Bradypus tridactylus Linnaeus (Pilosa: Bradypodidae) OCCUR IN PANAMA?

Abstract

This note reports the observation of individuals of the genus Bradypus in Darien Forest, Panama, that strongly resemble Bradypus tridactylus rather than the twospecies reported for Panama. The presence of B. tridactylus in Panama is unlikely, based on bio-geography but even being just a new variety of this genus, could be another evidence of the progressive movement of mammals, and Panama´s role as a natural bridge between Central and South America. Darien Forest is in critical need of protection, to maintain gene flow in Central American species. We call for specialists in this taxonomic group to join our team to examine whether a new variety of Bradypus exists in Panama.

Keywords

• Bradypus tridactylus
• Panama
• mammals