TWO TOED SLOTH

There are two types of two toed sloths, Linnaeus and Hoffman. The only difference is the shape in their skull. Two toed sloths are about 24 -27 inches long and weighs up to 17 pounds  . Two toed sloths are characterized by  their two front claws ,which reach lengths up to 2.9 cm., long limbs and course fur. As well as short flat snouts, large eyes and rudimentary ears. They also have two layers of fur, an overcoat and an undercoat . The first layer  helps trap moisture and allows algae to grow. The second layer gives off a greenish tint that helps them camouflage in the forrest canopy. Lastly two toed sloths have 18 teeth. There are 5 teeth on each side of the upper jaw and four on each side of the lower jaw. As well as 2 blade like teeth in the front.

Sloths spend most of their time upside down in the trees. They live in the tropical rainforests of central and northern South America. Including parts of Brazil and Peru. Sloths are strictly arboreal, spending their time high up in the canopy and maintaining a range of about 10 acres.

The diet of a two toed sloth consists of leaves from hibiscus , mulberry and fruit trees. They also love fruit, such as, apples, pears, mangos, papayas and melons.   some eat green shoots but they also may eat eggs, insects and lizards.

Two toed sloths are slow moving and solitary animals. They are known for their slow metabolism and their ability to hang up side down. They hang upside down to eat, breathe, and give birth.Their bodies have evolved over time because of this. They only come down from the trees once a week to defecate and that is when they are most vulnerable to predators.

Sloths have many predators, including jaguars, oscelots, harpy eagles and Anacondas. To protect themselves , sloths have algae covered fur and hang motionlessly . If caught by a predator , the sloth will hiss and swipe with their ferocious teeth and long claws. Although they may be slow on the ground they can also move through the trees very quickly.

They life cycle of the two toed sloth consists of gestation, birth ,adolescence, adulthood. the gestation period of a two toed sloth lasts for about 6-11 months . Sloths give birth to one offspring ,once per year. Sloths give birth in the tree tops, upside down, protecting them from falling. They weigh about 14 oz, and cling to their mothers bellies for a few a period of weeks, to even months until they get enough strength to move on their own. The two toed sloth reaches maturity between 2-5 years.