Pilosa

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Pilosa collage

Pilosa is an order of mammals that includes the anteaters and sloths. These species are primarily found in Central and South America, with some species of sloths also inhabiting parts of North America in the past. The order Pilosa is part of the larger superorder Xenarthra, which also includes the armadillos (order Cingulata). Pilosa is distinguished by its members' unique adaptations to their specific lifestyles, ranging from the anteaters' specialized feeding habits on ants and termites to the sloths' slow-moving arboreal existence.

Characteristics

Members of the order Pilosa share several distinctive characteristics, although there is significant variation between the two families (Myrmecophagidae for anteaters and Bradypodidae and Megalonychidae for sloths). Generally, Pilosa species have a low metabolic rate and a relatively low body temperature. Sloths, for example, are known for their slow movement and spending most of their life hanging upside down in trees. Anteaters, on the other hand, are terrestrial (with the exception of the arboreal silky anteater) and have elongated snouts and long tongues to aid in their specialized diet of ants and termites.

Anteaters

The anteaters are characterized by their long snouts and tongues, which can extend more than the length of their head to capture ants and termites. They have strong claws used for breaking into termite mounds and ant hills. Anteaters lack teeth and rely on the muscular stomach to grind their food, aided by ingested pebbles and dirt.

Sloths

Sloths are known for their slow movement and spending a majority of their time in trees. They have a unique fur structure that allows algae to grow, providing camouflage. Sloths have a varied diet, mainly consisting of leaves and fruits. Their slow metabolism necessitates a low-energy diet and limits their movements to conserve energy.

Habitat and Distribution

Pilosa species are found throughout Central and South America, with their habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to dry savannas. The diversity of the order is most pronounced in the Amazon basin, which provides a wide range of ecological niches to support various species. Historical evidence suggests that sloths were once more widespread, with giant ground sloths inhabiting regions of North America until their extinction approximately 11,000 years ago.

Conservation

Many species within the order Pilosa are threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several species as vulnerable or endangered. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned animals.

Classification

The order Pilosa is divided into two families:

• Family Myrmecophagidae: Anteaters
  • Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
  • Silky Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus)
  • Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana)
  • Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla)
• Family Bradypodidae: Three-toed sloths
  • Genus Bradypus
• Family Megalonychidae: Two-toed sloths
  • Genus Choloepus

See Also

• Xenarthra
• Cingulata
• Mammal
• Conservation status