Sloth: Difference between revisions
(Created page with "alt=Hoffmann's two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica|thumb|Hoffmann's two-toed sloth (''Choloepus hoffmanni'') in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica '''Sloths''' are medium-sized mammals that are famous for their extreme slowness of movement. They are native to the jungles of Central and South America. There are two main species of sloths, identified by whether they have two...") |
|||
Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
== Conservation == | == Conservation == | ||
Sloths are not endangered, but they’re not exactly thriving either. The biggest threat to sloths is habitat destruction due to rainforest deforestation | Sloths are not endangered, but they’re not exactly thriving either. The biggest threat to sloths is habitat destruction due to rainforest [[deforestation]]. | ||
== International Sloth Day == | == International Sloth Day == | ||
International Sloth Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in October. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of the Sloth. The day was created by AIUNAU, a non-profit foundation in Colombia dedicated to protecting all forms of wildlife. | International Sloth Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in October. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of the Sloth. The day was created by [[AIUNAU]], a non-profit foundation in Colombia dedicated to protecting all forms of wildlife. | ||
== External links == | |||
* [https://www.aiunau.org/en/activities/sloth-international-day/ International Sloth Day] AIUNAU | |||
{{Project species box 2}} | {{Project species box 2}} | ||
[[Category:Sloths]] | [[Category:Sloths]] |
Latest revision as of 19:21, 13 October 2023
Sloths are medium-sized mammals that are famous for their extreme slowness of movement. They are native to the jungles of Central and South America. There are two main species of sloths, identified by whether they have two or three claws — these are aptly named two-toed and three-toed sloths.
Physical Characteristics
Sloths are known for their short, flat head; big eyes; a short snout; long legs; and tiny ears. They also have a tail, but it can be difficult to see. Some species have a mane of coarse hair running down their backs. Their fur is usually brownish-gray in color and they have a round face with a friendly, perpetually smiling expression.
Behavior
Sloths spend nearly all of their time aloft, hanging from branches with a powerful grip aided by their long claws. They sleep, eat, mate, and even give birth in this position, hanging upside down. Sloths sleep for about 15 hours a day and even when awake, they often remain motionless. At night they eat leaves, shoots, and fruit from the trees and get almost all of their water from juicy plants.
Conservation
Sloths are not endangered, but they’re not exactly thriving either. The biggest threat to sloths is habitat destruction due to rainforest deforestation.
International Sloth Day
International Sloth Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in October. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of the Sloth. The day was created by AIUNAU, a non-profit foundation in Colombia dedicated to protecting all forms of wildlife.
External links
- International Sloth Day AIUNAU
This page forms part of Project Species and considered an phase 2 article (started but not complete). Please consider adding more knowledge to this page. See Project Species for more information. |