Jefferson's Ground Sloth

Megalonyx jeffersonii

Conservation Status

Data Deficient

Mammalia · Pilosa · Megalonychidae

About

Megalonyx is an extinct genus of ground sloths of the family Megalonychidae, native to North America. It evolved during the Pliocene Epoch and became extinct at the end of the Late Pleistocene, living from ~5 million to ~13,000 years ago. The type species, M. jeffersonii, the youngest and largest known species, measured about 3 m (9.8 ft) in length and weighed up to nearly 1,300 kg (2,900 lb).

Fun Fact

jeffersonii (also called Jefferson's ground sloth), the youngest and largest known species, measured about 3 m (9.

Quick Facts

Habitat

To be updated

Diet

Carnivore

Lifespan

000 years

Threats

Habitat Change
Human Disturbance

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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