Interesting Facts About Sloths

 

Sloths are divided into two main groups: two-toed sloths and three-toed sloths. Despite their names, both types of sloths actually have three toes on their hind limbs; they differ in the number of fingers on their front limbs. There are six known species of sloths, with two species of two-toed sloths and four species of three-toed sloths. Sloths have long, curved claws that are ideal for gripping tree branches, allowing them to hang upside down with ease. Their fur often hosts a unique ecosystem of algae, insects, and other organisms, giving their fur a greenish tint that helps them camouflage in the trees. They have specialized adaptations for a slow metabolism, which allows them to conserve energy. Sloths have an exceptionally slow metabolism, which is why they move so slowly. They travel at an average speed of about 0.24 kilometers per hour (0.15 miles per hour).Their slow movements help them conserve energy, and this sluggish pace makes them less noticeable to predators like eagles, jaguars, and snakes.

Sloths are full of surprises beyond their famous slow lifestyle! Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about these fascinating creatures:

1. They Only Poop Once a Week

Sloths have a unique way of conserving energy, and this includes their bathroom habits. They descend from their trees to defecate just once a week, which is a risky event for them as it makes them more vulnerable to predators.

2. Algae Grows on Their Fur

A sloth's fur creates a mini-ecosystem that hosts algae, moths, and other organisms. The algae give sloths a greenish tint, which helps them blend into the foliage, providing camouflage from predators.

3. Their Digestive Process Can Take Weeks

Because of their slow metabolism, it can take up to 30 days for a sloth to digest a single meal. They have a multi-chambered stomach that slowly breaks down their leafy diet, similar to cows.

4. Three-toed Sloths Can Rotate Their Heads Almost 270 Degrees

Like owls, three-toed sloths have extra vertebrae in their necks, allowing them to turn their heads up to 270 degrees. This helps them look around without moving their bodies too much.

5. They’re Surprisingly Good Swimmers

Sloths may be slow on land, but they are adept swimmers. They can hold their breath underwater for up to 40 minutes, using their long arms to paddle through rivers when needed.

6. Sloths Are “Lefties”

Sloths predominantly use their left arm and claw for most actions, similar to left-handedness in humans.

7. They Have Poor Eyesight and Hearing

Sloths rely mostly on their sense of smell and touch, as their eyesight and hearing are quite poor. Their vision is so limited that they struggle to see more than a few feet in front of them, especially in bright light.

8. They’ve Been Around for Over 30 Million Years

Sloths have ancient origins. They are related to prehistoric “giant ground sloths” that lived during the Ice Age and could grow as large as elephants!

9. Two-toed and Three-toed Sloths Are Not Closely Related

Despite being grouped as "sloths," two-toed and three-toed sloths belong to different families and diverged millions of years ago. They have evolved separately, each developing unique adaptations.

10. Their Hearts Beat Slowly – Sometimes Nearly Stopping

Sloths have an exceptionally low heart rate, sometimes dropping by up to 30% when they’re resting or sleeping. This helps them conserve energy but means they must move slowly to maintain consistent circulation.

11. They Outwit Predators by…Doing Nothing

Sloths' best defense is their stillness. Many predators, such as eagles and big cats, rely on movement to spot prey, and sloths’ lack of movement makes them nearly invisible to these hunters.

12. They Live Upside Down

Sloths spend 90% of their lives hanging upside down in trees. Their organs are attached in a way that prevents them from compressing, allowing them to hang in this position without discomfort or health risks.

13. Sloth Moths Depend on Them

Certain species of moths live exclusively in sloth fur. These moths use the sloth’s body as a habitat, and when the sloth descends to poop, the moths lay their eggs in the feces. When the larvae hatch, they find their way back up to sloth fur!