Sloth

Hoffmann's two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica

Sloths are medium-sized mammals that are famous for their extreme slowness of movement. They are native to the jungles of Central and South America. There are two main species of sloths, identified by whether they have two or three claws — these are aptly named two-toed and three-toed sloths.

Physical Characteristics

Sloths are known for their short, flat head; big eyes; a short snout; long legs; and tiny ears. They also have a tail, but it can be difficult to see. Some species have a mane of coarse hair running down their backs. Their fur is usually brownish-gray in color and they have a round face with a friendly, perpetually smiling expression.

Behavior

Sloths spend nearly all of their time aloft, hanging from branches with a powerful grip aided by their long claws. They sleep, eat, mate, and even give birth in this position, hanging upside down. Sloths sleep for about 15 hours a day and even when awake, they often remain motionless. At night they eat leaves, shoots, and fruit from the trees and get almost all of their water from juicy plants.

Conservation

Sloths are not endangered, but they’re not exactly thriving either. The biggest threat to sloths is habitat destruction due to rainforest deforestation.

International Sloth Day

International Sloth Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in October. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of the Sloth. The day was created by AIUNAU, a non-profit foundation in Colombia dedicated to protecting all forms of wildlife.

External links

• International Sloth Day AIUNAU

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