Species · GBIF taxon 2436353
Brown-throated Sloth
Bradypus variegatusAlso known as Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Three-toed Sloth
Brown-throated sloths spend nearly their entire lives high in the forest canopy, descending to the ground only once a week to defecate. Their coarse, grooved fur hosts a unique ecosystem of specialized moths, beetles, and green algae that provides excellent camouflage against predators. These quiet folivores move with deliberate slowness to conserve energy on a low-calorie diet of leaves.
ArborealHerbivorousNeotropical
- diet
- Folivorous (leaves, buds, and soft twigs)
- family
- Bradypodidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, power line electrocution, road strikes, and the illegal pet trade
- life Span
- 30 to 40 years
LC
Equipped with long claws and sharp teeth; observe from a safe distance and never attempt to touch.
Vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, dog attacks on the ground, and electrocution on uninsulated power lines.
Never handle wild sloths; if one is crossing a road, contact local wildlife authorities for safe relocation.- Scan the Canopy: Look for what appears to be a clump of dead leaves or a termite nest high in the fork of a tree.
- Keep Your Distance: Use binoculars or a zoom lens to watch them without causing stress or defensive behavior.
- Support Safe Crossings: Drive slowly in forested areas where sloths may attempt to cross roads on the ground.