Sloths

There are six different species of sloth; Costa Rica is home to two of them, the “two-toed” and “three-toed” sloths. Despite the names, it is actually the digits on the fore-limb that differ as the Spanish for fingers and toes is similar. Other than the number of “toes” they are distinguishable by their colour.

Sloths spend approximately 22 hours a day sleeping at the tops of their favourite trees, only coming down to the ground to defecate, which happens approximately once a week, or to move trees. They are solitary animals, only getting together to mate or when females are bringing up their young.

Three toed sloths appear green as they host an algae in their fur which serves as camouflage to protect from predators – large hawks in trees and jaguars on the ground – and to protect them from the sun. The particular algae is only found on the three-toed sloths and is thought to be passed from mother to child shortly after birth. Scientists are investigating the possibility that the algae might have medicinal benefits for humans.

Most of the sloths we saw were on guided hikes, although we also saw them in the grounds of a couple of our lodges.

One of our guides said that the main purpose of sloths in Costa Rica is to sell t-shirts !