Deep in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, a quiet revolution in wildlife conservation is underway. At SWAROVSKI OPTIK, we are proud to collaborate with the Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo) in their groundbreaking work to protect one of the rainforest’s most iconic and mysterious inhabitants: the sloth.
This collaboration is more than a partnership, it’s a shared commitment to preserving biodiversity and ensuring that future generations can experience the wonder of these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.
Sloths may seem abundant in popular imagination, but the reality is starkly different. Until recently, no formal sloth census had ever been conducted anywhere in the world. This lack of data has left most species inaccurately listed as “Least Concern” on outdated IUCN Red List assessments, despite clear signs of population decline.
Why does this matter? Conservation planning without accurate population data is like navigating a dense rainforest blindfolded. Governments and NGOs cannot prioritize resources or implement effective protections without knowing:
How many sloths exist
Where they live
What threats they face
In Costa Rica, both native sloth species have been declared in a “reduced and threatened state.” Urgent assessments were requested years ago, but no action followed. That’s where SloCo stepped in.
Led by Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, SloCo launched the world’s first systematic sloth census. Starting in the South Caribbean, the team expanded to the Osa Peninsula, home to the SWAROVSKI OPTIK Rainforest. Their goal? To cover all of Costa Rica within two years and eventually extend the effort across the species’ entire range.
This work is already shaping conservation strategies:
Identifying high-priority sites for reforestation and habitat connectivity
Laying the foundation for Costa Rica’s first national Red List assessment for sloths
Advocating for stronger environmental protections through a Rights of Nature bill
These steps will not only safeguard sloths but also strengthen protections for countless other species that share their habitat.
Earlier this year, Rebecca and her team joined us in the SWAROVSKI OPTIK rainforest for an unforgettable expedition. Their mission: conduct an official census at three locations within the reserve and search additional areas using drone technology.
The challenge? Sloths are masters of camouflage. For six days, the team scoured the canopy with no sightings. Spirits dipped, but Rebecca reminded everyone that “no sightings” still provide valuable data for population modeling.
Then came the breakthrough. Diego, our Indigenous Forest nursery manager, spotted two male three-fingered sloths in the same tree. The excitement was electric. The team safely deployed GPS collars on both animals, enabling real-time tracking of their movements. This data opens a window into the secret lives of sloths.
The work doesn’t stop here. Early next year, SloCo will return to:
Retrieve GPS collars and deploy new ones
Repeat the census for more robust data
Collect DNA samples to study genetic diversity
Bring a botanist to identify tree species critical to sloth survival
Each step brings us closer to understanding and protecting these remarkable creatures.
Sloths are more than charismatic icons, they are indicators of rainforest health. Protecting them means safeguarding entire ecosystems that regulate our climate, provide clean water, and harbor extraordinary biodiversity.
At SWAROVSKI OPTIK, we believe that seeing nature’s beauty inspires us to protect it. Supporting SloCo aligns perfectly with our mission: to connect people with nature and foster a deeper sense of responsibility for its future.
Conservation Hero
Dr. Rebecca Cliffe
Rebecca is a leading authority on sloth biology and behavior. Her passion for these animals began over a decade ago and has since evolved into a global movement. Through SloCo, she has pioneered research that challenges misconceptions and drives meaningful change. Her dedication (and that of her team) makes them true conservation heroes.
Conservation Hero
The Sloth Conservation Foundation
Founded to address the urgent need for sloth-specific conservation, SloCo focuses on reforestation, habitat connectivity, and biodiversity protection. Their science-driven approach combines field research with community engagement, ensuring that conservation benefits both wildlife and people. On their blog, they shared the whole Osa peninsula adventure in the SWAROVSKI OPTIK Rainforest.
