Different Types Of Sloths: Sloth Species List With Pictures & Facts
by Active Wild Admin
activewild.com
8/24/2023
There are 6 species of sloths; divided between 2 families: Bradypodidae, the 3-toed sloths; & Choloepodidae, the 2-toed sloths.
There are 4 3-toed sloth species: the brown-throated sloth, maned sloth, pale-throated sloth, & pygmy 3-toed sloth.
There are 2 2-toed sloth species: Hoffmann's 2-toed sloth & Linnaeus's 2-toed sloth.
New Sloth Species?
A 7th sloth species, the southern maned sloth (Bradypus crinitus), a species of 3-toed sloth, was identified in a paper published in 2022. Previously, the maned sloth & southern maned sloth were considered to be a single species. The new species brings the total number of 3-toed sloth species to 5, & the total number of all sloth species to 7.
At the time of writing (August 2023), however, the southern maned sloth is yet to be included in either the Mammal Species of the World database or the Catalogue of Life, both of which were consulted in the writing of this article.
All About Sloths
Sloths are slow-moving mammals native to the tropical rainforests of Central & South America. These unique creatures are known for their leisurely pace, spending most of their lives hanging upside-down from tree branches.
Sloths belong to the taxonomic families Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths) & Choloepodidae (2-toed sloths), both of which are part of the order Pilosa, which is also home to anteaters – the closest relatives of sloths in the animal kingdom. The 6 (or 7) species of sloth make up the suborder Folivora.
These tree-dwelling, rainforest animals have a distinct appearance, with long limbs, curved claws, & flat faces. Their bodies are adapted for a life spent in trees — their strong, curved claws allow them to securely grasp tree branches, & their slow metabolism helps conserve energy in their low-nutrient diet of leaves.
Sloths are solitary animals, generally coming together only for mating. Their slow movements make them vulnerable to predators, but their greenish-brown fur, which can host symbiotic algae, provides a form of camouflage, allowing them to blend in with the trees. The algae also offers sloths a supplementary source of nutrients.
Despite their seemingly laid-back demeanor, sloths play a vital role in their ecosystems. They serve as a mobile habitat for a range of insects & fungi & aid in spreading seeds through their fecal matter, promoting forest growth.
Differences Between 3-Toed Sloths Vs 2-Toed Sloths
Number of Toes: As their names suggest, 3-toed sloths have 3 toes on their forelimbs, while 2-toed sloths have only 2. (All sloths have 3 toes on their hind limbs.)
Families: 3-toed sloths belong to the family Bradypodidae, whereas 2-toed sloths are members of the family Choloepodidae.
Facial Features: 3-toed sloths typically have a more prominent 'mask' around their eyes compared to 2-toed sloths.
Diet: While both are primarily herbivores, 2-toed sloths have a more varied diet, occasionally consuming insects, small reptiles, 7 birds. 3-toed sloths are more strictly herbivorous, primarily feeding on leaves.
Activity Pattern: 2-toed sloths are mainly nocturnal, while 3-toed sloths are mainly diurnal (active during the day), but may also be active at night.
Size & Appearance: 3-toed sloths are generally smaller & have a more rounded head & face & longer tails. 2-toed sloths have longer hair & a more elongated face, & their fore & hind limbs are more equal in length.
Movement: 2-toed sloths tend to move faster than 3-toed sloths.
Sloth Species List With Pictures & Facts
Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth
Scientific Name: Bradypus pygmaeus
Family: Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths)
Weight: Approximately 2.5-3.5 kg (5.5-7.7 lb)
Where Found: Exclusively on the Isla Escudo de Veraguas, off the coast of Panama
IUCN Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Smallest sloth species.
Exclusively found on the Isla Escudo de Veraguas.
Fur can host symbiotic algae, providing a greenish tint for camouflage.
The pygmy 3-toed sloth is the smallest sloth species. Its back is slightly spotted & (like that of other sloth species) often green in color due to algae living in its fur.
The species is found only on the Isla Escudo de Veraguas, a small island off the coast of Panama. Here it lives both in the forests of red mangrove trees & in the dense tropical rainforests of the island’s interior.
Due to its limited range, the pygmy 3-toed sloth is particularly vulnerable to threats, & its population is estimated to be less than 500.
Maned Sloth
Scientific Name: Bradypus torquatus
Family: Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths)
Weight: 4-4.5 kg (8.8-9.9 lb)
Where Found: Atlantic coastal rainforest in southeastern Brazil
IUCN Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Prominent mane of long black hair, especially visible on the back of males.
Found only in the Atlantic coastal rainforest of southeastern Brazil.
The Maned Sloth is a 3-toed sloth found exclusively in the Atlantic coastal rainforest of southeastern Brazil. It Is present in 3 Brazilian states: Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, & Bahia.
The species is distinguished by the mane of long black hair on its neck & shoulders, which is particularly prominent in males.
The lifespan of the maned sloth is known to exceed 12 years in the wild.
Pale-Throated Sloth
Scientific Name: Bradypus tridactylus
Family: Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths)
Weight: Approximately 3.5-4.5 kg (7.7-9.9 lb)
Where Found: Northern South America, including parts of Guyana, Brazil, & Venezuela
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
Distinct pale face & throat with a darker "mask" around the eyes.
Primarily dwells in the upper canopy of tropical rainforests.
The pale-throated sloth is a species of 3-toed sloth found in the tropical forests of northern South America. It is present in areas of Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Brazil, & Venezuela. It is not found south of the Amazon River.
As its name suggests, the pale-throated sloth is characterized by a pale face & throat, contrasting with a darker "mask" around its eyes. Individuals of both sexes are dark grey with darker patches; males can be identified by an orange or yellow patch on the back, which is divided by a black stripe.
Brown-Throated Sloth
Scientific Name: Bradypus variegatus
Family: Bradypodidae (3-toed sloths)
Weight: Approximately 4-4.6 kg (8.8-10.1 lb)
Where Found: Ranges from Honduras in Central America to northern Argentina in South America
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
Recognizable brown-colored throat.
Most widespread and adaptable of the 3-toed sloths.
Fur coloration can vary significantly based on location & age.
The brown-throated 3-toed sloth is the most widespread & common species of 3-toed sloth, inhabiting a range that spans from Honduras in Central America to northern Argentina in South America.
As indicated by its name, the brown-throated 3-toed sloth has a brown-colored throat, with fur that can vary in shade from gray to brown based on location & age.
Although rated as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN, the brown-throated 3-toed sloth’s population is thought to be decreasing, with threats including deforestation & hunting by local people.
Southern Maned Sloth
Scientific Name: Bradypus crinitus
Family: Bradypodidae
Weight: Approximately 4-4.5 kg (8.8-9.9 lb)
Where Found: Atlantic coastal rainforest in southeastern Brazil, particularly in the states of Espírito Santo & Rio de Janeiro.
IUCN Conservation Status: Uncategorized
Only recently identified as a separate species to the maned sloth
Head resembles a coconut!
The southern maned sloth was first discovered in 1850 by English zoologist John Edward Gray, although the species was not recognized by the wider scientific community, who considered it to be a maned sloth.
A recent paper proposes that the southern maned sloth should be treated as a separate species on the basis of DNA analysis & field observations.
The southern maned sloth has a flatter skull, more rounded jaw & wider cheekbones than its northern cousin. Its head is described as resembling a “coconut”.
The species is found in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, & is present in the states of Espírito Santo & Rio de Janeiro.
Linnaeus's 2-Toed Sloth
Family: Choloepodidae (2-toed sloths)
Weight: Approximately 4-6 kg (8.8-13.2 lb)
Where Found: Throughout the Amazon Basin in northern South America
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
Nocturnal in nature.
More varied diet than 3-toed counterparts, including fruits & occasionally small prey.
Linnaeus’ 2-toed sloth is found in South American rainforests north of the Amazon River. It is also known as “Linné's 2-toed Sloth”. The species has an elongated face & long shaggy, pale brown fur.
This nocturnal sloth species has a diet more varied than that of 3-toed sloths; as well as leaves, it also eats a variety of other plant material such as shoots & fruit, & will also prey on small vertebrates.
Hoffmann's 2-Toed Sloth
Scientific Name: Choloepus hoffmanni
Family: Choloepodidae (2-toed sloths)
Weight: 4-5 kg (8.8-11 lb)
Where Found: Range spans from Nicaragua in Central America down to Peru & Brazil in South America
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern
Similar appearance to Linnaeus's 2-toed sloth but with slight differences in distribution & habitat preferences.
Primarily nocturnal.
Can be found in various habitats, including rainforests, cloud forests, & mangroves.
Hoffmann's 2-toed sloth is a nocturnal sloth species found in the canopies of Central & South American rainforests. Characterized by its 2 claws on each forelimb, long shaggy fur, & an elongated face, this species is among the largest of the extant sloths.
Adaptable to different habitats, Hoffmann's 2-toed sloth can be found in rainforests, cloud forests, & even dry forests. Its diet is varied, including leaves, fruits, & occasionally small prey.
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