SLOTHS

Sloths are considered the world's slowest animal. They creep at such a slow pace that algae grows on their fur. This green algae, known as Trichophilus, grows only on the fur of sloths.... Having green fur provides these arboreal animals with camouflage to blend in among the trees.

Sloths do everything upside down – eat, sleep, mate and even give birth. As a result their fur grows the opposite direction, away from their extremities and with a parting on their tummy. Each hair has a groove down the centre, which allows algae to grow inside it and give the sloth a wild green look.

FUN FACT

The slow-movement and unique thick fur of the sloth make it a great habitat for other creatures such as moths, beetles, cockroaches, fungi, and algae. In fact, this green colored algae provides a camouflage so sloths can avoid predators. Sloths can extend their tongues 10 to 12 inches out of their mouths.

DID YOU KNOW

Sloths roamed North America and became extinct around 10,000 years ago. Sloths have an average life span of 20 to 30 years in the wild, but captive sloths tend to live a bit longer!

There are two different types of sloths, two-toed and three-toed, and six species:

Pygmy three-toed sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus)

Maned sloth (Bradypus torquatus)

Pale-throated sloth (Bradypus tridactylus)

Brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus)

Linnaeus's two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus)

Three Toed Sloth

Two Toed Sloth