The brown-throated sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is a species of three-toed sloth found in the Neotropical realm of Central and South America.
It is the most common of the five species of three-toed sloth, and is found in the forests of South and Central America in countries such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. Although they once lived in Argentina, they are now believed to be extinct there.
Description
The brown-throated sloth is of similar size and build to most other species of three-toed sloths, with both males and females being 42 to 80 cm (17 to 31 in) in total body length. The tail is relatively short, only 2.5 to 9 cm (1.0 to 3.5 in) long. Adults weigh from 2.25 to 6.3 kg (5.0 to 13.9 lb), with no significant size difference between males and females. Each foot has three fingers, ending in long, curved claws, which are 7 to 8 cm (2.8 to 3.1 in) long on the fore feet, and 5 to 5.5 cm (2.0 to 2.2 in) on the hind feet.
They have long forelimbs with three claws on each and about 10 cervical vertebrae, allowing their necks to rotate up to 270 degrees. Their cylindrical teeth lack enamel. Like many herbivorous mammals, they have multi-chambered stomachs containing microorganisms that help digest cellulose from their plant-based diet. The head is rounded, with a blunt nose and inconspicuous ears. As with other sloths, the brown-throated sloth has no incisor or canine teeth, and the cheek teeth are simple and peg-like. They have no gall bladder, cecum, or appendix.
Brown-throated sloths have brown coloration on their throat and head. Their fur includes a soft inner layer and a thicker, woolly outer layer that often supports algae growth, sometimes giving them a greenish tint. The brown-throated sloth has grayish-brown to beige-color fur over the body, with darker brown fur on the throat, the sides of the face, and the forehead. The face is...
