Page 54 - World of Animals - Issue #31

THE LAZY

-NOT
-NOT- -
SLOTH
SO
SO

The slow and steady sloth is known for taking its
time about everything, but there’s more to this

tree-dweller than meets the eye

Words Alex Hoskins
There are six sloth species, all of which are sitting in tree branch forks than they do
renowned for their slow pace. But having hanging around. Their dangling limbs can
been tarnished with a name that is one of the be a weakness as well as a strength, as
seven deadly sins, they have a reputation for their arms and legs are so well adapted to
laziness that just isn’t accurate. hanging that sloths can’t walk or stand very
The sloth family is split between well, and instead drag themselves along with
the Megalonychidae (two-toed) and their claws. This causes problems when they
Bradypodidae (three-toed) species, which leave the trees for their weekly trip down to
are separated by several characteristics. ground level for a toilet break.
The two-toed types can climb and hang A sloth’s sight and hearing are not too

vertically, but spend most of their time sharp, but they find their way around using
hanging from trees and vines horizontally. touch. They spend most of their time alone,
The three-toed species move in the same living solitary lives, and are particularly
way, using their limbs to hook on to branches aggressive when they come across other
and vines, but spend more of their time sloths of the same sex.

BROWN-THROATED
THREE-TOED SLOTH
Bradypus variegatus
Class Mammalia

Territory Central and South
America
Diet Foliage from trees and
vines
Lifespan 25-30 years
Adult weight 4kg (8.75lb)
Conservation Status

LEAST CONCERN

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