The brown-throated sloth is the most common and widespread of the three-toed sloths. Its extremely slow lifestyle is an adaptation to a diet of leaves, which provide very little energy. Sloths are related to anteaters and armadillos.
Interesting facts
- Three-toed sloths can turn their heads about 270 degrees.
- They come down from the trees about once a week to defecate.
- Algae grow in their fur, giving them a greenish tinge that helps with camouflage.
- Moths, beetles and other insects live in sloth fur.
- Sloths are surprisingly good swimmers.
- They hang upside down so effortlessly that they sometimes remain hanging after death.
Behaviour
Sloths are solitary and spend almost their whole lives in the canopy, moving slowly between trees. Their slowness makes them hard for predators such as harpy eagles and jaguars to spot.
Breeding and young
A single young is born after about six months and clings to its mother for several months, learning which leaves to eat.
Threats and conservation
Deforestation, road crossings, power lines, dogs and capture for the illegal pet and ‘sloth selfie’ trade.
Where to see it
- Manuel Antonio and Cahuita, Costa Rica
- Tortuguero, Costa Rica
- Amazon rainforest lodges in Peru and Ecuador
- Panama’s Soberanía National Park
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Where to see the brown-throated sloth
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