The three-toed is diurnal, the two-toed nocturnal
Though related to anteaters, sloth are not true edentates as they have a few rudimentary teeth. They also share skeletal characteristics such as extra joint surfaces between the vertebrae (hence a new sub-order, the Xenarthra, from the Greek 'strange joint'). All five species are found only in the Neotropics; the two Costa Rican species are the Brown-throated three-toed sloth (perezoso de tres dedos; Bradypus variegatus) and the Hoffmann's two-toed sloth (perezoso de dos dedos; Choloepus hoffmann).
The diurnal three-toed sloth is often sighted, whereas the nocturnal two-toed sloth is less often seen. Both are 50 to 75cm in length with stumpy tails. The tree-toed is grayish brown with a distinctive gray-and-white mask on the face; the two-toed is generally a tan color. Sloths often hang motionless from branches or lowly progress upside down along a branch towards leaves, which are their primary food. Digestion of the tough takes several days and sloth defecate about once a week.
They are infrequently sighted on the ground, where their gait is clearly uncomfortable. They are sexually mature at three years and females then have a baby most years. the baby is carried on the mother's chest for 5½ months, feeding on milk for a few weeks but soon taught to eat leaves. The relationship between mother and offspring is close but not deep during this period - the youngster stays on or perishes. A baby that falls off its mother is ignored. Some favorite leaves are from the Cecropia tree (although others are also eaten). These are common trees on riverbanks in the rainforest; this is the best place to spot sloth in the wild.
Pictures by Angela and Jörn Malek. The team of 1-CostaRicaLink wishes you the best of times in our little paradise called Costa Rica.
Text by Lonely Planet. To buy the complete book
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