As indicated by their common, the brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus) has brown coloration on their throat and head. Their coat consists of a layer of short, soft, and fine fur and a layer of thick, woolly fur. Algae often resides on outer layer, giving some individuals a greenish appearance. They have long forelimbs with three clawed toes on each limb. They also have approximately 10 cervical vertebrate that enable them to rotate their necks up to 270 degrees. Their teeth are cylindrical and lack enamel. Similar to many ungulates, their stomachs are multi-compartmentalized, with intestinal microfauna that help digest cellulose from their exclusively vegetarian diets. Even as endotherms, brown-throated three-toed sloths have difficulty regulating their body temperature in cold environments and in cooler ambient temperatures. This is likely due to sparse muscle mass, their relatively small heart, and low-ranging heart rate. Adults range in mass from 3.49 to 5.19 kg, with an average of 4.34 kg. Average length is 60 cm, and they have a basal metabolic rate of 147 cm^3 oxygen/hour. Although size-dimorphism is not present in this species, males have a mid-dorsal speculum that is not present in females.
Diet[]
Brown-throated three-toed sloths eat lots of fruit and leaves. They don't usually live long in zoos due to restricted diets, though the Dallas World Aquarium in Texas successfully houses a number of them.
Lifespan[]
Brown-throated three-toed sloths can live up to 20 years in the wild. In the Dallas World Aquarium in Texas, due to having the right care for their dietary needs, found that they can live up to 30 years in captivity.
Predators[]
Jaguars and harpy eagles often hunt and kill sloths, especially when they climb down to the forest floor to defecate.
