One of the world’s strangest mammals, Three-toed Sloth lives in the trees of South America’s tropical rainforests. Agile and flexible, She is well adapted to life hanging upside down. Peaceful and shy, Three-toed Sloth has little knowledge of fear.
Having longer arms than Two-toed Sloth, Three-toed Sloth also has a longer neck. She has nine cervical vertebrae--two more than most other mammals. Her neck is so flexible that She can turn her head 270 degrees, three-quarters of a circle. In contrast to Two-toed Sloth, her Cousin, Three-toed Sloth sits a lot. Sometimes, She sits with her forearms crossed over her chest, and rests her head on her arms.
Unlike Two-toed Sloth who only hisses, Three-toed Sloth cries “ai-ai” to communicate with her Family. When separated from Mother Sloth, Baby Sloth cries “ai-ai” to help Her locate Him. When looking for a mate, Three-toed Sloth will cry “ai-ai” to nearby Males to tell Them, “I’m available!”.
While Father Three-toed Sloth lives in one tree all his life, Mother Three-toed Sloth moves from tree to tree. Carrying her Baby, She teaches Him what leaves to eat. When Baby Sloth grows up, Mother Sloth gives up her tree to her Youngster. She, then, moves to a nearby tree. Along with Father Sloth, They share the same area without competing with each other.
Three-toed Sloth teaches how to live side by side. These Animals work together to keep each other safe. Three-toed Sloth shares her range with her grown Children. Mother and Father Sloth eat different leaves from different types of trees, so They do not have to compete for food.
Buy sloth books from Amazon.com
Photo of Three-toed Sloth courtesy of Sloths.Org
Va. Carper
July 26, 2007