Panama, Costa Rica, and Brazil have proposed greater controls on the trade of two-fingered sloths. This proposal, known as Proposal 11, was introduced at the 20th Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to CITES in Samarkanda, Uzbekistan. The initiative aims to include the two species of two-fingered sloths (Choloepus didactylus and Choloepus hoffmanni) in Appendix II of CITES. This will allow for controls to regulate international trade and help prevent pressures that could affect their wild populations. Erick Núñez, Head of National Biodiversity at Panama's Ministry of Environment (MiAMBIENTE), highlighted the importance of coordinated action. He stated, "The protection of two-fingered sloths requires coordinated attention among the countries that share their distribution." The main objective is to establish strict controls for the export of specimens, parts, products, by-products, and derivatives of these animals. The need for this measure arises from the increase in the extraction and international demand for Choloepus didactylus. Although this species is not found in Panama, its physical similarity to Choloepus hoffmanni—the two-fingered sloth present in Panamanian territory—could pose significant risks associated with unauthorized transactions or the diversion of Panamanian specimens to the illegal market. For this reason of prevention, the three countries consider it crucial to include both species within the proposal. Panama reaffirms its active participation in multilateral processes aimed at the conservation of wild species and the strict control of international trade that may affect them. Within the framework of CoP20, a parallel event was held with the technical support of international organizations. During this event, the current situation of the species was explained in detail, and participating countries were invited to thoroughly review the scope of the proposal, whose discussion and formal voting are scheduled for next week.
