Two-toed Sloth (Magdonychidae) differs from his cousin Three-toed Sloth in several ways. Two-toed Sloth likes to eat fruits and small insects in addition to tree leaves. Less docile than Three-toed Sloth, He will hiss loudly and slash with his front claws when confronted. Unlike his cousin, Two-toed Sloth has a short neck with a limited range of movement. The differences between the two Sloths are great enough for scientists to believe that They had different ancestors among ancient Sloths.
More active at night, Two-toed Sloth changes trees frequently, moving long distances in one night. Moving slowly and deliberately in the trees, Two-toed Sloth uses his acute sense of smell and touch to forage for food. He progresses in slow motion moving one of his limbs at a time. On the rare occasions He leaves the trees, Two-toed Sloth pulls Himself along the forest floor with his claws. (He can stand up but has lost the use of his muscles for walking.)
Well camouflaged in the tree canopy, Two-toed Sloth rests curled into a ball in the branches of a tree. Getting ready to sleep, He grasps a branch with his two long curved claws and then tucks his head on his chest. The sleeping, hanging Sloth resembles a termite nest or a knot in the tree trunk. With his green-tinged fur, Two-toed Sloth hides in plain sight.
Although Two-toed Sloth can swim and ably defend Himself, He prefers to hide in plain sight. You learn how to hide without too much trouble from Two-toed Sloth. Just do not rely on that as your only defense.
Go On to Three-toed Sloth's teachings
Photo of Two-toed Sloth courtesy of Sloths.Org
Va. Carper
July 23, 2007