Target: Laurentino Cortizo, President of Panama
Goal: Protect pygmy sloths from vanishing from our planet.
With less than one hundred surviving individuals, the pygmy three-toed sloth is one of the world’s most endangered mammals, according to a detailed survey. Their population decreased from over 500 in 2001 to only about 70 animals today.
The Isla Escudo de Veraguas, a remote island off Panama’s Caribbean coast, is home to this critically endangered species. It is difficult to imagine a more charming creature than the pygmy sloth, which is about half the size of a cat and entirely helpless against the evil of humankind. Not only does habitat destruction threaten their valuable lives, but also local fishermen who reportedly eat sloths instead of their catches. Because of the fishermen, this species will likely find its tragic end in just a few more fishing seasons.
Many groups tried to find a solution for this shocking problem, including the leaders of the indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé. They have worked with organizations to educate people about the importance of preserving the pygmy sloths, while other local and international charities have donated equipment to establish a permanent presence of park rangers to protect the animals. Sadly, this program has not yet been implemented and the sloths are still killed.
The park ranger program is the most efficient way of keeping this species from extinction. The President of Panama must take action to encourage the National Environmental Authority of Panama (ANAM) to take a leadership role in managing the local and international investors who support saving the sloths.
The ANAM has to do everything in its power to safeguard these precious animals. The existence of this wonderful creature rests with them, and its extinction will be on their watch. Sign this petition to urge the Panamanian authorities to protect pygmy sloths now.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Cortizo,
I am worried about the current status of three-fingered pygmy sloths on Isla Escudo Veraguas, Panama. This island is the only place that this rare species calls its home. From about 500 animals in 2001, less than 100 remain today. It is horrifying to know that this precious species is on the verge of extinction, not only because of human intrusion and habitat degradation but also because local fishermen are eating the sloths instead of the fish they catch.
Numerous groups and organizations tried to preserve the pygmy sloths. Additionally, local and international charities have donated equipment to establish a permanent presence of park rangers to protect the sloths. Sadly, this program has not yet been implemented and the sloth killing continues.
The park ranger program is the most efficient way of saving the pygmy sloth from extinction. You must take action to encourage the National Environmental Authority of Panama (ANAM) to take a leadership role in managing the local and international charities that invest in saving the sloths.
You and the ANAM have to do everything humanly possible to safeguard these precious animals. The existence of these magnificent creatures rests with you and their extinction will be your fault. Provide immediate protection of the pygmy sloths now.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: WikiImages
I agree with you all the vile and evil Humans are a scourge on this planet. All animal torturers and animal murderers must be put to death Worldwide. They are definately not human they are the filthy lowlife psychopathic monsters on our planet.