Lesser Puerto Rican Ground Sloth (Acratocnus odontrigonus)

• never observed by Europeans; fossils contemporary with indigenous artifacts and introduced rat fossils indicate survival into colonial era, possibly until 16th Century

• 50 lb montane forest ground dweller herbivore endemic to Puerto Rico

• disappeared after introduction of rats and pigs

• References:

Allen, G. M.  Extinct and Vanishing Mammals of the Western Hemisphere    QL715.A44 1942  p.41

Williams, J. and Nowak, R.  chapter in The Last Extinction  QH75.L36  1993  pp. 107-139

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N. C. Heywood maintains this page, last updated 25AUG01.