Consumption of a maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus Illiger, 1811) by a tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier Péron & LeSueur, 1822) in southeastern Brazil

Authors

  • Flavia R. Miranda Instituto de Pesquisa e Conservação de Tamanduás no Brasil, Conjunto Porto das Barcas, sala 130, Parnaíba, CEP: 64207-750, PI, Brazil. Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal – PPGCA, Santa Cruz – BA, Brazil.
  • Paloma M. Santos Instituto de Pesquisa e Conservação de Tamanduás no Brasil, Conjunto Porto das Barcas, sala 130, Parnaíba, CEP: 64207-750, PI, Brazil. Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Primatas Brasileiros, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Floresta Nacional da Restinga de Cabedelo – Rodovia BR 230 – Km 10, CEP: 58108-012 – Renascer, Cabedelo – PB, Brazil.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31687/saremNMS.21.2.2

Keywords:

aquatic dispersal, diet, Pilosa, threatened

Abstract

We present the first record of maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus) consumption by the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). Our record is based on the analysis of stomach contents of a tiger shark captured off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil. Although it is not possible to distinguish between a predation and scavenging event, we consider it likely that the sloth was consumed while dispersing between the islands of the region. We also comment on the heretofore unforeseen risks of aquatic dispersal by xenartrans.

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Dorsal and ventral views of the skull and dorsal view of the mandible of a maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus) ingested by a tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)

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Published

03/15/2021

How to Cite

Miranda, F. R., & Santos, P. M. (2021). Consumption of a maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus Illiger, 1811) by a tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier Péron & LeSueur, 1822) in southeastern Brazil. Notas Sobre Mamíferos Sudamericanos, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.31687/saremNMS.21.2.2