The Choloepus didactylus, known as the Two-toed sloth, is a very intriguing animal with many features and characteristics. Being about or smaller than an average sized dog, it could range from 21-29 inches in body length. The Two-toed sloth is very slow and can survive harmful injuries that could danger other animals. This captivating animal will surprise you by its many characteristics.

 

The Two-toed sloth is about the size of an average sized dog or 21-29 inches in body length. The colors of the Two-toed sloth vary from a darker brown to a brownish-grey color and are very light around the eyes. Other than being brown, you will see green hints in the Two-toed sloths coloration because they have grooved hair that can let algae grow to help them camouflage into the green forests and protect them from many predators. Adaptations that can help this amusing animal are for example, long claws that can help them hang and grasp the trees while spending much of their time eating, sleeping, mating, and giving birth. The identifying characteristics that would tell you this animal is a Two-toed sloth are that they walk funny on ground; they can sleep up to 15 hours a day, have 2 fingers, have a short snout and have face that looks almost as if it was smiling.

 

The Two-toed sloth’s niche consists of it spending all of their time hanging from trees and only come down to use the bathroom. Having a very slow metabolism doesn’t stop them from climbing around and swimming quickly away from many dangers. When it is time for a Two-toed sloth to eat they will move from branch to branch to eat the few fruit and leaves they need to fuel up for the day. Two-toed sloths do well where they live because they have plenty of open space and lots of green trees to hang from. This exotic animal is found in places like Central and South America in the green tropical forests.

 

           

It is not determined how many Two-toed sloths there are but their population could be shirking due to the,’’ disforestation and other forms of habitat destruction, and hunting remain threats for the sloth.’’ The population of the sloths would continue growing larger and bigger if humans would be very cautious on how they work or treat their habitat. Many Two-toed sloths are being endangered due to the fact of people tearing down the homes of many sloths. If many could see the unique side of these fascinating animals, many people or society could be very careful when visiting their home.

 

In the food web the sloths are herbivores because they eat many plants. The Two-toed sloths eat very little during the day due to their slow metabolism. Almost all the time the sloths are hanging in the trees, so they simply get their food right where they are. Many animals compete with the Two-toed sloth for food but they frequently come face to face with the Three-toed sloths.

 

Two-toed sloths have predators seeking to attack for food; the main predators of the sloths are forest cats, jaguars, harpy eagles, and anacondas. These vicious animals are a threat to this one of a kind animal. The Two-toed sloth defends itself by using its sharp claws and teeth to scratch the predators or they will find a way to get near water and swim away as fast as they could.

 

While researching the Two-toed sloth I have come across many interesting facts that I didn’t know an animal could have. The Two-toed sloths do everything while hanging in trees except for using the bathroom. Sloths have very powerful grip, and use their long claws that curve around the branches to help them hang upside down. When some sloths pass away they could sometimes be found still hanging in the trees. I also learned that when sloths are mating the males can reach for the same female, so the males begin to slowly fight while still hanging from the trees.

 

Choloepus didactylus or the Two-toed sloth is an animal that hopefully many people enjoy and reconsider. Maybe not being the most adorable animal but learning its many features and characteristics has by far made me look at the many interesting and proficient facts while researching this fantastic animal.

 

Author: Amanda H.

Date Published: 2/2011

 

Sources:

Felton-Church, Ali. "ADW: Choloepus Didactylus: Information." Animal Diversity Web. National Science Foundation, 2008. Web. 4 Feb. 2011. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Choloepus_didactylus.html>.

 

"San Diego Zoo's Animal Bytes: Two-toed Sloth." Welcome to the San Diego Zoo. 2011. Web. 31 Jan. 2011. <http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-two-toed_sloth.html>.

Encyclopedia Of Mammals. Vol. 14. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 1997. Print. Ser. 17.

 

Photograph. Http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-two-toed_sloth.html

. Zoological Society of San Diego, 2011. Web. 31 Jan. 2011.