Choloepus didactylus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Vernacular names
English : Linné’s two-toed sloth
French : Unau, Paresseux à deux doigts

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Pilosa
Family : Megalonychidae
Notes : No subspecies known. Former subspecies C. hoffmanni florenciae is believed to be this species.

Identification
Adults reach a length of 72 cm for a weight up to 9 kg. Two very long and curved claws on each limbs. Body covered with long grey-brown hairs curving from belly to back (contrary to other mammals), hairs collect algae for camouflage.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in South America, from south Colombia, Venezuela and the Guianas to Brazil (around the Amazon river), Peru and Ecuador. Lives in lowland and montane tropical humid forests, up to 2400 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : This species has a very large range and remains fairly common. It is rarely hunted and still occurs in many protected areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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