Species · GBIF taxon 2436351
Maned Sloth
Bradypus torquatusAlso known as Northern Maned Sloth, Collar Sloth
Maned sloths spend nearly their entire lives high in the canopy of Brazil's Atlantic Forest, descending to the ground only once a week to defecate. Named for the long, dark mane of hair draping over their neck and shoulders, these solitary mammals move with deliberate slowness to conserve energy on a low-calorie diet of leaves. Their coarse fur hosts a miniature ecosystem of specialized algae, beetles, and moths that help camouflage them from aerial predators.
ArborealSolitary
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Cecropia leaves
- Microlobium leaves
- Ficus leaves
Predators
- Harpy eagles
- Jaguars
- Domestic dogs
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, deforestation, urbanization, and road collisions
HabitatsTropical Atlantic coastal rainforest
Life span12 to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyBradypodidae
- SpeciesBradypus torquatus
Native
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Equipped with long, sharp claws; observe from a safe distance and do not attempt to handle.
- What to notice
- Look for a medium-sized sloth with a prominent mane of long black hair around the neck and shoulders.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a respectful distance, avoid making loud noises, and never attempt to touch or move them.
Responsible observation
- Binoculars Required: Scan the upper canopy of Cecropia trees where they blend seamlessly into the foliage.
- Keep Distance: Never approach if they descend to the ground, as this is their most vulnerable state.
- Drive Carefully: Watch for individuals attempting to cross roads dividing fragmented forest patches.
Predator (c) Christoph Moning, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christoph Moning · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Bruno Henrique Aranda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruno Henrique Aranda · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Carlos Otávio Gussoni, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Distant Relative Régis Leroy / CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0
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