Two-toed Sloth
Scientific name: Choloepus didactylus
Habitat: tropical forests
Diet: mainly leaves and fruits
Life span: 12-15 years (30 years in captivity)
Young: 1 young
Size: up to 9 kg (20 lbs)
While most prey animals move quickly to escape predators, sloths rely on slow movement and camouflage to hide from enemies. They move at speeds of only 0.8 km/h (0.5 mph). Slow movement is much harder to see than quick motions.
Dew and rain makes their coats warm and moist so blue-green algae grows on their fur. The algae makes them blend in with the leaves. Their peculiar way of hanging underneath a branch makes them look like a part of the tree.
Learn more about this species:
These are some other websites that we think have more great information about this species.
Two-toed sloth on Animal Diversity Web
For More Information
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7
| attractions@edmonton.ca |
Range
Range: Central America
Status in the Wild
Status: threatened
