Fauna
Mammal

Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth

Choloepus didactylus

Also known as Southern Two-toed Sloth, Unau, Linne's Two-toed Sloth

Linnaeus's two-toed sloths spend nearly their entire lives suspended upside down in the high canopy of South American rainforests, where their slow-motion lifestyle is powered by a low-energy diet of leaves and fruit. Their coarse, grooved fur hosts a miniature ecosystem of specialized algae and moths, providing excellent camouflage against forest predators. These solitary mammals descend to the forest floor only once a week to defecate, making them highly vulnerable during these rare terrestrial visits.

NocturnalArborealMammal
Linnaeus's Two-toed Sloth reference
Régis Leroy / CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCecropia leaves, Wild fruits, Flowers
Predators
  • Harpy Eagle
  • Jaguar
  • Ocelot
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, deforestation, and the illegal pet trade
HabitatsTropical rainforests and cloud forests
Life span20 to 30 years in the wild, up to 40 years in captivity
Classification
  1. FamilyMegalonychidae
  2. SpeciesCholoepus didactylus
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Equipped with sharp teeth and strong claws; observe from a safe distance and never handle.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses sharp, self-sharpening canine-like premolars and powerful forelimbs that can inflict deep puncture wounds.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Distinguished by two claws on the forelimbs, a prominent snout, and a lack of a tail.
What to do
Never attempt to touch or pick up a sloth; if one is crossing a road, contact local wildlife rescuers.
Responsible observation
  • Use Binoculars: Look high in the canopy, especially in Cecropia trees, during early morning or dusk.
  • Keep Distance: Never attempt to touch or rescue a sloth on the ground; contact local wildlife authorities instead.
  • Listen Closely: Listen for low hisses or soft bleats, which they occasionally emit when distressed.
Related species
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