Sloth

The sloth is a tree-dwelling mammal that lives in the tropical forests of Central and South America. There are two main groups of sloths: two-toed sloths and three-toed sloths. They spend most of their lives hanging from branches, where their long claws help them hold on securely.

Their slow movements are an adaptation to a low-energy lifestyle, which allows them to survive on a diet made mostly of leaves, although some species may also eat fruits or other plant parts.

A sloth’s thick fur provides protection and can host tiny organisms such as algae, which sometimes give its coat a greenish color and help it blend into the forest. Sloths usually come down from trees only occasionally, especially to defecate or move to another area.

Their slow metabolism means they need little food, but it also makes them vulnerable to changes in their environment. Habitat loss is one of the main threats facing many sloth populations today.