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
Bradypus variegatus
Brown-throated three-toed sloth
Schinz, 1825
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Very slow-moving arboreal mammal, known for having three 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 ligeroPerezoso común
Three-toed sloth
AïTaxonomyBiological 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).Bradypodidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Bradypus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Schinz, 1825
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 lowland tropical rainforests and secondary forests.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is primarily diurnal and spends most of its time hanging from tree branches.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary animal; communication is mainly through high-pitched vocalizations.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Folivorous herbivores; consume exclusively leaves, shoots, and flowers.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Its digestion is the slowest among mammals, which leads to its low energy levels.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Give birth to a single infant after a gestation of about 6 months.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
42.0 - 80.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2.20 kg - 6.30 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).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
36 - 48 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
150 - 180
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males25 - 30 Years
Females25 - 30 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male has a patch of orange or yellow fur with a black stripe on the back (speculum).
Females Multi-lang
The female lacks the patch on the back and is usually slightly larger.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Neck with extra vertebrae allowing it to turn its head 270 degrees.
Symbiosis with algae growing in its fur, providing greenish camouflage and nutrients.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Forest fragmentation and attacks by domestic dogs when they descend to the ground.
Roadkills and electrocution on poorly insulated power lines.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Although slow on land, they are surprisingly good swimmers.
They only descend to the ground once a week to defecate, the moment when they are most vulnerable.
Image GalleryPhotographs of this species or habitat in its natural environment.
