© naturepl.com / Lucas Bustamante / WWF
Sloths
Sloths—the sluggish tree-dwellers of Central and South America—spend their lives in the tropical rainforests. They move through the canopy at a rate of about 40 yards per day, munching on leaves, twigs, and buds. Sloths have an exceptionally low metabolic rate and spend eight to 10 hours per day sleeping. And, surprisingly enough, the long-armed animals are excellent swimmers. They occasionally drop from their treetop perches into water for a paddle.
Sloth facts
- Habitats
- Rainforests
News and stories
Why sloths matter
© Merijn van Leeuwen/ WWF-Netherlands
Sloths are an integral part of tropical rainforest ecosystems. Among the most common mid-sized mammals in Central and South American rainforests is the brown-throated sloth.
Threats to sloths
© naturepl.com / Luiz Claudio Marigo / WWF
The health of sloth populations is wholly dependent on the health of tropical rainforests. But tropical rainforests are at risk of deforestation. Without an abundance of trees, sloths will lose their shelter and food source. When sloths come to the forest floor—which they do once a week to relieve themselves—they are more exposed to predators and can do little to fend them off.
How WWF is taking action to protect sloths
© WWF-US / Keith Arnold
WWF works with communities, governments, and companies to encourage sustainable forestry. WWF created the Global Forest & Trade Network to create a market for environmentally responsible forest products. The network works at national and regional levels to expand the area of forests under responsible management. And since 2003, WWF has been working with the Brazilian government on the Amazon Region Protected Areas initiative (ARPA) to protect the rainforest. ARPA has become the largest conservation project in the world.
How you can help
© WWF
Adopt a two-toed sloth
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