San Salvador, El Salvador — Central America (West Coast)
The Giant Sloth
Perezoso Gigante
Perezoso Gigante
Eremotherium laurillardi
Este mamifero se extinguio hace unos 10 mil años por causas que aun se desconocen, pero se cree que tuvo mucho que ver el cambio climático que produjo la ultima glaciación. Se originaron en Sur America y logran llegar hasta Norte America aprovechando el puente de tierra que se formo cuando surgio de manera permanente el Istmo de Panama, hace 8.5 millones de años.
Eran animals herbivoros, se alimentaban principalmente de frutos y brotes de arboles, habitaban zonas semi-boscosas y se movían en manadas buscando alimento constantemente. Alcanzaron a medir en promedio 5 ½ metros de altura, y podían llegar a pesar hasta cuatro toneladas.
En El Salvador, restos fosiles han sido descubiertos en casi todo el territorio, desde la zona occidental hasta la oriental, como son los sitios paleontológicos: Rio Tomayate, Apopa, San Salvador; Barranca del Sisimico, Apastepeque, San Vicente; Hacienda San Juan del Sur, Comacaran, San Miguel; Rio Frio, Ahuachapan, Ahuachapan La Criba, San Cristobal de la Frontera, Santa Ana, entre otros.
English translation:
Giant Sloth
Eremotherium laurillardi
This mammal became extinct about 10,000 years ago for reasons that are still unknown, but is believed to have much to do with climate change that was produced during the last glaciation. They originated in South America and made their way to North America by exploiting the land bridge that formed when the Isthmus of Panama was formed 8.5 million years ago.
They were herbivorous animals, feed mainly on fruits and tree buds. They inhabited semi-wooded areas and moved in herds constantly looking for food. They grew to be on average 5 ½ meters high and could weigh up to four tons.
In El Salvador, fossil remains have been discovered in almost all the territory of the nation, from the west to the east, including such paleontological sites as: Rio Tomayate, Apopa, San Salvador; Barranca de Sisimico, Apastepeque, San Vicente; Hacienda San Juan del Sur, Comacarán, San Miguel; Rio Frio, Ahuachapan, Ahuachapan; La Criba, San Cristobal de la Frontera, Santa Ana, among others.
Erected 2014 by Empresas Japonesas.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Education • Paleontology.
Location. 13° 40.593′ N, 89° 11.81′ W. Marker is in San Salvador. Marker can be reached from Calle El Modelo. The marker and statue are on the grounds of the Saburo Hirao Park, which also houses the Natural History Museum of El Salvador. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Avenida Irazu 2, San Salvador, El Salvador. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The American Hippopotamus (within shouting distance of this marker); Tomb of the Communications Soldier (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); Salvadoran Founders of Central American Independence (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Relief Map of El Salvador (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Heroes of the War of Legitimate Defense (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); Felipe Soto (approx. 0.9 kilometers away); General Juan José Cañas (approx. one kilometer away); The National Zoo of El Salvador (approx. one kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Salvador.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 362 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 13, 2016, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana.