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3-Toed Sloths
The three species of 3-toed sloths belong to the genus Bradypus. Genera are groups of species with similar characteristics. Scientists organize mammals with similar traits to make it easier to classify and study them. Sloths in the Bradypus genus, for example, all possess three digits on their hind and forepaws.
[Three-Toed Sloth Range Map of South and Central America]
3-toed sloths are located in southern Honduras to Columbia, Venezuela, Guyana, Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina, Ecuador, northern and central Brazil and portions of its eastern coast. The people of these areas call the 3-toed sloth "ai" after its shrill cry ("ai-ai!"). Unlike their larger 2-toed cousins, 3-toed sloths do not possess full vocal cords and instead use their nasal passages to create sound. 3-toed sloths are about 18 to 24 inches (56 to 60 centimeters) in length and possess a short, stubby tail 2.4 to 2.8 inches (6 to 7 centimeters) long. They weigh between 7.7 to 9.4 pounds (3.5 to 4.5 kilograms). While the 2-toed sloth's pads are bare, Bradypus possesses hair all over its body about 2.4 inches (6 centimeters) in length.
3-toed sloths are smaller and tend to be slower than their 2-toed relatives. They tend to be alert during both the day and at night, and some reports show them to make copious use of a sitting position as well as hanging upside-down from branches. Early research showed 3-toed sloths living almost exclusively in the cecropia tree, although more recent studies have shown this to not necessarily be the case. It is possible that 3-toed sloths are simply more visible in the bare branches of these trees.
In addition to the fruit, leaves, and flowers of the cecropia tree, 3-toed sloths have been observed to eat the azteca ants that often inhabit these trees, perhaps for additional nutrients. Like Choloepus, 3-toed sloths do not seem to require a further water source than the moisture on leaves and flowers. Possibly due to its more specific diet, however, studies have shown 3-toed sloths utilizing a larger range than 2-toed sloths.
3-toed sloths have long necks with additional vertebrae; nine in all. These additional vertebrae allow a 3-toed sloth to swivel its head around 180 degrees, similar to an owl. Some 3-toed sloths appear to have a "mane" of hair due to the length of the neck hair against the relatively small size of the body. Bradypus torquatus, known as the maned 3-toed sloth, is sometimes called the "necklace" sloth because of the unique yellow-and-black pattern found on the back of males.
Learn More!
- Read all about the 3-toed sloth's cousin, Choloepus.
- Want the facts in brief? Check out our quick Fact Sheet.
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