Linne's Two-Toed Sloth

Choloepus Didactylus

Scientific Name

Linne's Two-Toed Sloth:  
Choloepus Didactylus

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

The two-toed sloth can be found in Central America through central South America.

Natural Habitat

The canopies of the rain forest are where the two-toed sloth likes to dwell.

Physical Characteristics

  • The two-toed sloth is a slow moving animal highly specialized for life in the trees. It is well-furred, grayish-brown in color with a pale face. Its hair is parted down the midline of its chest and belly. Its limbs are long, the forelimbs slightly more so than the hind limbs, and the feet are narrowly curved. The toes are bound closely together with skin for their entire length and each has a three inch long hook like claw. The soles of its feet are naked and padded.

Quick Facts

  1. The sloth is especially well camouflaged during the rainy season when its coarse fur takes on a greenish tint due to algae growth on the flutings of the hairs.

  2. The sloth spends much of its time in an upside down position. Its specialized feet and hook-like claws provide a firm hold as the sloth moves slowly and deliberately along the underside of the branches.

  3. If caught on land, these animals have no chance to evade predators, such as big cats, and must try to defend themselves by clawing and biting.

Exhibit

EcoStation

Conservation Status

Least Concern: The Linne's Two-Toed Sloth is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.

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Diet

Omnivore

In the wild, the two-toed sloth feeds on leaves, tender twigs and fruits. In human care, they are fed Zupreem canned primate diet, Mazuri leaf eater biscuits, sweet potato and apple, and leafy greens.