Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth

Bradypus variegatus

Their fur grows in the opposite direction of most mammals—from the stomach to the back—allowing rainwater to run off while they hang upside down.

Scientific name: Bradypus variegatus
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Pilosa › Bradypodidae › Bradypus
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: forest
Habitat: Neotropical rainforests, cloud forests, and secondary forests.
Diet: Folivorous; feeds almost exclusively on the leaves, buds, and soft twigs of various trees, particularly Cecropia.
Range: Central America, South America, Amazon Basin
Size: 40-80 cm in length; 2.2-6.3 kg
Lifespan: 30-40 years
Active: diurnal
Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and deaths from power line electrocution or domestic dog attacks.
Safe to approach?: Harmless but defensive if touched. Maintain a distance of at least 5 meters. Do not attempt to handle, as they have sharp claws and can deliver a painful bite if threatened. If scratched or bitten, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice due to potential bacteria or parasites in their fur.

Photo: Aitor, CC-BY, via iNaturalist