A Quick Guide to the Domestic Pygmy Ground Sloth (Neocnus domesticus)
-First domesticated around 8000 years ago by the indigenous sneoples of the Snaribbean, these friendly mini-sloths are popular household pets. They were originally domesticated for their warmth during cold nights, though their primary purpose now is companionship.
-Domesticated from the wild pygmy ground sloth (Neocnus comes), a species still present in Hisspaniola. The wild species is semi-arboreal, weighs around 10 kg, and has a longer skull with a relatively smaller braincase. The teeth and tongue are often stained black due to its high-tannin folivorous diet.
Neocnus domesticus stats:
12-15 cm tall at the shoulder
1-4 kg
Lifespan 30-40 years
-Sows (females) are slightly larger than boars (males). Juveniles are called slothlets.
-Walks on the sides of its feet. Fore- and hind paws have five toes with long claws - the outer claws are absent.
-Several breeds, including Papaya, Coconut (a long-haired version of the papaya), Old Hisspaniolan, and Squamerican Hairless. Papaya is the most common breed in Snapan.
-The Papaya is a popular medium-sized breed averaging 2.5 kilograms and 13 cm tall. It has short fur and a brachycephalic head and is known for being more intelligent and biddable than other breeds. It has a long lifespan and is generally healthy, but is prone to malocclusion and crowding of the teeth.
-There are six accepted coat colors:
1. Dhole - Named after its resemblance to the wild Snasian canid. Dark chocolate paws and skin and black claws with dark brown eyes.
2. Cream - A solid cream sloth with chocolate paws, skin, and claws with dark brown eyes. The most common coat color.
3. Skewbald - White markings on any accepted color base. May have pink or spotted paws and skin, white or black claws, and dark brown or blue eyes.
4. Red Jackal - A lighter version of the dhole coloration with chocolate paws and skin, black claws, and dark brown eyes.
5. Golden Boy - Named in memory of the breeder's favorite sloth, a light golden coat with white socks and tail tip, chocolate or spotted paws and skin, chocolate claws, and light brown eyes. Faded wild type markings are sometimes present.
6. Wild Type - A coat color that resembles the wild pygmy ground sloths that still roam the Snaribbean. Dark eye and shoulder stripes with chocolate points and skin, black claws, and dark brown eyes.
-Owners must provide their pets with enrichment that stimulates the digging and climbing instincts and keeps the claws short. Most can be trained to use a litterbox and perform simple tricks.
-High quality kibble diets are available, but should be supplemented with fresh vegetables and greens.
