Sloth in Amazon rainforest with giant tick.

Sloth Tick Alert: A New Discovery in the Amazon!

Reese Marlowe in Science & Nature September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Researchers Identify Amblyomma geayi on Sloths in Acre, Brazil: What You Need to Know About This Amazonian Tick Discovery."

The Amazon rainforest, a treasure trove of biodiversity, constantly reveals new insights into the intricate web of life. Acre, located in the Western Amazon, is particularly rich in ecological diversity. As such, understanding the various factors that can impact the health of its wildlife is crucial for conservation efforts.

Ectoparasites, such as ticks, are among these factors. Ticks not only cause blood loss but also serve as potential vectors for various diseases. Though much is still unknown about the population dynamics and behaviors of sloths (Bradypus tridactylus and B. variegatus), these creatures are commonly found in diverse habitats—from primary and secondary forests to flooded plains and altered environments.

The common sloth, Bradypus variegatus, is widespread in the Amazon region, including the Western Amazon. These arboreal creatures have a broad distribution across Central and South America. Given the significance of ticks in animal health, a recent study focused on identifying ticks on sloths in this region. This article discusses the first recorded presence of Amblyomma geayi ticks on sloths in Acre, Brazil, shedding light on tick distribution in the Amazon.

Why Is Identifying Tick Species Important for the Amazon?

Sloth in Amazon rainforest with giant tick.

Ticks belonging to the genus Amblyomma are increasingly becoming a subject of study in the Amazon. Research has found that a significant percentage of wild birds in Pará are infested with different Amblyomma species. Among these, Amblyomma geayi was the most common. Further studies are essential to understand the impact and spread of these parasites.

Amblyomma geayi has also been found on sloths in Belém, Pará. Other Amblyomma species have been identified on capybaras, harpy eagles, and tortoises in Rondônia. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing research to map the distribution of tick species in the Amazon region. Previously, there were no records of Amblyomma species in Acre, making this discovery particularly noteworthy.

October 2014 Discovery: Researchers found a young female sloth (Bradypus variegatus) carrying an Amblyomma tick.
Location: The sloth was found in the Zoobotanical Park of the Federal University of Acre in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil.
Health Check: The sloth had a small wound on its right hind limb but was otherwise in good health.
Tick Removal: During a physical examination, a tick was found on the sloth's left ear and carefully removed for identification.
Identification Process: The tick was identified as Amblyomma geayi using a Leica stereomicroscope and taxonomic keys.
Tick Characteristics: The male tick had a complete marginal groove, ventral plates, and two short spurs on the first pair of legs.

After the tick was removed, the wound was cleaned, and the sloth was transferred to the Cetas/Ibama wildlife rehabilitation center for reintroduction into its natural habitat. This incident highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife health and understanding the role of parasites in the Amazon ecosystem.

What Does This Tick Discovery Mean for Amazon Conservation?

The identification of Amblyomma geayi in Acre confirms the tick's presence in the region and its parasitic relationship with sloths. Further research is needed to fully understand the distribution of Amblyomma geayi and its impact on the health of sloths and other wildlife in the Amazon. Ongoing studies will help inform conservation efforts and protect the region's biodiversity.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1678-4162-8624, Alternate LINK

Title: Primeiro Registro De Amblyomma Geayi (Acari: Ixodidae) Em Preguiça (Bradypus Variegatus) No Estado Do Acre, Amazônia Ocidental: Relato De Caso

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: S.F. Souza, L.S. Medeiros, R.S. Oliveira, M. Deschk, Y.K. Carvalho, V.M.F. Ribeiro, A.P. Souza, M.S. Lavina

Published: 2016-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why is it important to find out that Amblyomma geayi ticks are on sloths in Acre, Brazil?

The discovery of *Amblyomma geayi* ticks on sloths in Acre, Brazil, signifies a new understanding of tick distribution in the Amazon. This finding is important because *Amblyomma* ticks can affect animal health by causing blood loss and potentially transmitting diseases. Since *Amblyomma geayi* was not previously recorded in Acre, this discovery expands our knowledge of its range and its parasitic relationship with sloths. This discovery may lead to further research into the prevalence of other tick species in the region.

Why is it important to identify tick species in the Amazon?

Identifying tick species in the Amazon is crucial because ticks, such as those from the genus *Amblyomma*, can act as vectors for various diseases, impacting the health of wildlife. Different *Amblyomma* species have been found on various animals, including sloths, capybaras, harpy eagles, and tortoises. By mapping the distribution of tick species like *Amblyomma geayi*, scientists can better understand and mitigate potential health risks to both animals and humans in the Amazon region. Further understanding of *Amblyomma* ticks may impact conservation efforts.

What is Amblyomma geayi, and why is it important?

*Amblyomma geayi* is a tick species found in the Amazon region. It is significant because it parasitizes various animals, including sloths, and can potentially transmit diseases. In this instance, the discovery of *Amblyomma geayi* on sloths (*Bradypus variegatus*) in Acre, Brazil, marks the first record of this tick species in that area. Its implications involve the need for further research to understand its distribution, impact on wildlife health, and role in the Amazon ecosystem. While *Amblyomma geayi* was the only species identified here, there are many other species of ticks in the Amazon, the spread of which could be detrimental to the wild animal population.

Why are Bradypus variegatus or common sloths significant in the Amazon?

The *Bradypus variegatus*, or common sloth, is significant in the Amazon because they are widespread and commonly found in diverse habitats. Sloths' health can be affected by ectoparasites like ticks, so understanding the parasites that affect them is important for conservation. The discovery of *Amblyomma geayi* on *Bradypus variegatus* in Acre highlights the connection between sloth health and tick distribution. This discovery will lead to further research and an increased awareness of the health of sloths in the region. Additional studies are needed to determine the potential impact of *Amblyomma geayi* on sloths.

What is the significance of the Zoobotanical Park of the Federal University of Acre in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil?

The Zoobotanical Park of the Federal University of Acre in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil is relevant as the location where researchers discovered a sloth (*Bradypus variegatus*) carrying an *Amblyomma geayi* tick. Finding the tick at this location allowed for the first documented presence of this tick species in Acre. This discovery emphasizes the importance of monitoring wildlife health within protected areas and understanding the role of parasites in local ecosystems. The *Amblyomma geayi* are of concern in this region, as they have only just been discovered.