Two Toed Sloth Habitat

The defining characteristic of the two toed sloth is an extreme lack of motion. The development of this particular trait has enabled them to survive on a low-calorie leaf-based diet, which allows them to spend most of their time high off the ground and away from predators.

Geography

The two toed sloth is found primarily in the rainforests of Central and South America, an area which stretches from Nicaragua down into Bolivia and Brazil, and extends as far as Peru.

Living Arrengements

Two toed sloths spend most of their time hanging from the tree tops of the rainforest, held in mid-air by their huge claws. They eat and sleep in this position. They even mate and give birth while clinging to tree branches.

Nutrition

The trees in which they hang provide the primary nutritional sources for sloths. They eat leaves, fruits, berries and shoots from their surroundings, obtaining all the water, energy and nutrients necessary for survival from this single food source.

The Ground

Due to their weak leg muscles and large claws, sloths move very awkwardly when on the ground. The only time they willingly leave the tree tops is to defecate--an event that occurs about once a week.

Habits

The two toes sloth will spend approximately 15 hours each day asleep. This lack of motion decreases the animal's metabolic rate and allows it to survive on very few calories.

References

• Two Toed Sloth