The Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth is one of the slowest mammals on Earth, with a metabolic rate 40–74% lower than expected for its body size, allowing it to survive on the nutrient-poor leaves of tropical trees. Green algae growing in its grooved fur provide camouflage in the forest canopy. Sloths descend to the ground only to defecate—approximately once per week—in a ritual that may help disperse sloth moth species that live in their fur.
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical forests of southern Mexico and Central America
Diet
Leaves, buds, and stems of tropical trees
How common
Very rare
Recent Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free