brown-throated three-toed sloth
Quick Summary
The brown-throated three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is a tree-dwelling mammal native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. Known for its extremely slow movement, it spends most of its time hanging upside down from branches, using its hook-like claws.12
These sloths have long legs, stumpy tails, and rounded heads. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, twigs, and flowers, though some may consume insects. They possess a unique digestive system, with a large, multi-chambered stomach that processes food slowly, sometimes taking up to a week.12
Three-toed sloths have eight or nine neck vertebrae, allowing them to turn their heads up to 270 degrees. Their shaggy fur often hosts algae, giving them a greenish camouflage that helps them avoid predators like jaguars and harpy eagles. They descend to the ground about once a week to urinate and defecate, a vulnerable time during which they also transport insects living in their fur.134
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