Megalocnus

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Megalocnus
Fossil range: Pleistocene
Megalocnus rodens
Megalocnus rodens
Conservation status
Fossil
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Superorder: Xenarthra
Order: Pilosa
Family: Megalonychidae
Genus: Megalocnus
Species
  • M. rodens
  • M. zile

The ground sloths of the genus Megalocnus ("Great Sloth") were among the largest of the Caribbean ground sloths, with individuals estimated to weigh up to 200 pounds when alive. Two species are known, M. rodens of Cuba, and M. zile of Hispaniola. Subfossils of M. rodens suggest that they may have survived in the montane forests of the Cuban highlands until the 15th or 16th century.

Their relatives include other Caribbean ground sloths, such as Habanocnus, Miocnus, Neocnus, Acratocnus, Synocnus, and Mesocnus.


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