04 Nov Linnaeus’s Two-Toed Sloth: Patient Pilosa
For our newest edition of our animal of the month series, November highlights our Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth!
Sloths are classified in the Order of Pilosa, which is a Latin word that means “hairy” and refers to an order of placental mammals that includes not only sloths but anteaters as well! There are a total of six species of sloths, separated by the classification of two-toed or three-toed sloths. They are distinguished by the number of claws on their forelimbs, two-toed sloths have two claws on their forelimbs and three-toed sloths have three claws on their forelimbs. All sloths however have three claws on their hind limbs. Sloths spend most of their time hanging in trees. They are very slow and vulnerable on the ground. Their claws are so long that they can’t walk on their feet, but instead must “walk” on their elbows and knees. They descend to the ground only to change trees (for another food source) or to defecate. They have a low metabolic rate and defecate only once each week.
Our resident Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth is named Patience! Much like his name, sloths are known for their slow movements and calm demeanor. Though a shocking fact is that sloths are actually remarkable swimmers. Though the Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth spends most of their time in the tree canopies Throughout northern South America and in the Amazon Basin, there are moments where they descend from the trees and cross a river. What makes sloths such excellent swimmers is that the skills are instinctual meaning they are born with the knowledge to swim. Additionally they are very buoyant which helps them stay afloat and sloths can slow their heart rate to one-third of its normal pace, allowing them to hold their breath underwater for up to 40 minutes!
According to the IUCN, the Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth is actually classified as Least Concern when it comes to their population levels and conservation status but there are other sloth species that need protecting! Particularly the Pygmy three-toed sloth which is classified as critically endangered and the Maned three-toed sloth which is classified as vulnerable according to the IUCN. Unfortunately these species are losing their habitat at an alarming rate due to habitat destruction and human development. Trees are being cut down which is resulting in a loss of a protected space for these sloths causing them to either impede on predator territory or spending more time on the ground putting themselves at risk.
To help excel efforts of saving this unique species, you can make a difference with something as little as being conscious of what you are buying at the store! Check your labels and make sure that the products you are buying do not contain palm oil. Palm oil is sourced from trees globally where the industry has decimated habitats and ecosystems to collect it. By boycotting palm oil you are helping protect the beautiful forests that so many species call home!
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