Originating in the northern neo-tropics of South America lives the Pale-throated, three-toed sloth. This species can be found in the tropical canopy forests of Venezuela, Guyana, Honduras, Argentina, and Brazil. Pale-throated sloths can be identified by their yellow head and throat and can weigh anywhere between 2.3 to 5.5 kg. Males are smaller than females and are known for their orange, dorsal patch with a black central streak. Sloths have nine vertebrae in their neck which is more than giraffes at a whopping seven. This allows the head almost a full range of motion which can be most advantageous for an animal with limited or slow movement. Like all other species of three-toed sloth, they have long, 3 hooked claws that reach around 8 to 10 …show more content…
The staple of their diet is the Cecropia, the most abundant tree of the Amazonia forest. Their bodies are specialized at using energy at a low intake rate of highly indigestible food. Sloths produce one offspring per year with a gestation period of only 106 days. It is presumed that this species is also polygynous. Feeding, mating, sleeping, and birth all occur in trees. Defecation and urination occur in the ground once or twice a week because of their low metabolism. During this process which takes an average of 30 minutes, they are able to dig holes with their tails but this is when they are most vulnerable to their predators. The sloths also share a mutualistic behavior with moths, beetles, and mites that eat the algae that grows in their hair. When sloths defecate, these insects leave the fur to lay eggs in their dung. Their average speed is clocked in at 0.25 mph but swim fairly quick if in danger. These animals also have a great significance to humans because of their recognition for their potential to further medicine. This is because of their ability to heal quickly, avoid infection, and survive most severe