Sloths are notoriously slow and consequently have limited dispersal ability, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of habitat fragmentation and degradation. Sloths in Costa Rica are considered of conservation concern due to habitat loss, livestock production and increasing urbanization. Reintroductions from rescue centres are commonplace across the country, yet their genetic diversity and population structure are unknown, and there is currently little consideration of the genetic background prior to intervention or releases. We used microsatellite analysis to undertake the first exploratory investigation into sloth population genetics in Costa Rica. Using data from 98 two‐fingered sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) from four different geographic regions, we determined the presence of four potential genetic groups, three of them with minimal population structuring despite the limited dispersal ability and presence of physical barriers. Sloths from the North appear to represent a highly distinct population that we propose may require management as a discrete unit for conservation. We stress the need for additional analyses to better understand the genetic structure and diversity of North andWest regions and suggest that rescue facilities in Costa Rica should consider the genetic background of rehabilitated sloths when planning future reintroductions. Our results also highlight the threat posed by physical isolation due to widespread urbanization and agriculture expansion for a species with a weak dispersal ability.

中文翻译：

---

哥斯达黎加双指树懒（Choloepus hoffmanni）的遗传差异和人类介导的易位证据

树懒行动缓慢，因此分散能力有限，这使得它们特别容易受到栖息地破碎和退化的影响。由于栖息地丧失、畜牧业生产和城市化进程加快，哥斯达黎加的树懒受到保护。从救援中心放归的情况在全国各地都很常见，但它们的遗传多样性和种群结构尚不清楚，目前在干预或释放之前很少考虑其遗传背景。我们利用微卫星分析对哥斯达黎加的树懒种群遗传学进行了首次探索性调查。利用来自四个不同地理区域的 98 只双指树懒 ( Choloepus hoffmanni ) 的数据，我们确定了四个潜在遗传群体的存在，其中三个群体的种群结构极小，尽管其扩散能力有限且存在物理障碍。来自北方的树懒似乎代表了一个高度独特的种群，我们认为可能需要将其作为一个离散的保护单位进行管理。我们强调需要进行额外的分析，以更好地了解北部和西部地区的遗传结构和多样性，并建议哥斯达黎加的救援机构在规划未来的重新引入时应考虑已康复树懒的遗传背景。我们的研究结果还强调了由于广泛的城市化和农业扩张而导致的物理隔离对传播能力较弱的物种造成的威胁。