AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Choloepus hoffmanni
Hoffmann's two-to-toed sloth
Peters, 1858
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Slow-moving mammal with thick fur, long and curved claws on its front feet.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Perico ligeroUnau
Two-toed sloth
Paresseux d'HoffmannTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Pilosa
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Choloepodidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Choloepus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Peters, 1858
Record Completeness
97%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits humid tropical and montane forests, always living in the canopy.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a strictly nocturnal and solitary animal that spends the day sleeping while hanging.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary individuals; females may sometimes share trees.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Herbivores; consume leaves, flowers, and occasionally small fruits.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Possesses its own ecosystem in its fur (algae and moths) which helps with camouflage.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Very long gestation for its size (11.5 months); infants cling to the mother.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
54.0 - 70.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
4.00 kg - 8.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
24 - 36 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
340 - 360
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males12 - 20 Years
Females12 - 20 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its metabolism is extremely slow and its body temperature varies according to the environment.
Multi-chambered stomach to digest leaf cellulose.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Roadkills and electrocution on power lines.
Habitat fragmentation due to deforestation and urbanization.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They only descend to the ground once a week to defecate.
Unlike the three-toed sloth, this species has greater mobility and can defend itself with its claws and bites.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
