Final: A Biological and Ecological Overview of the Two-toed and Three-toed Sloth

This topic submitted by Amy Seitz ( seitzae@muohio.edu) at 6:46 PM on 5/15/05.

Ancient mystery finally solved! Hays finds tremendous comfort hugging a stone sphere in Costa Rica

Tropical Field Courses -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University


I chose this topic because of the ecological significance associated with these mammals. Originally thought to be poorly adapted for the tropics, the sloth has more recently been realized to have adapted in a variety of ways, many of which contribute to the survival and reproduction of other forest organisms. The paper will include an overview of the biological characteristics of the two species of sloth found in Costa Rica, and will also cover the ecological significance of these species.


Sloths of Costa Rica

I. Species of sloths
A. Brown Throated Three-toed (Bradypus variegatus)
1. Characteristics
a. Physical
i. Heavy fur that provides insulation
ii. Three claws on the feet
b. Behavioral
i. diurnal
2. HabitatÐ Upper level of the forest canopy
B. Two-toed (Choloepus hoffmani)
1. Characteristics
a. Physical
i. larger in size than the three-toed
ii. two claws on the front feet
b. Behavioral
i. nocturnal
2. Habitat Ð more confined to primary forests than three-toed
II. General information
A. Movement
1. sleeps about 18 hours a day
2. move to new trees approx. every day and a half
B. Food/Digestion
1. Feeds primarily on leaves of the Cecropia Tree, and other tree species
2. Slow metabolic rate
3. Ruminant-like stomach - Slow digestion
4. Defecation and urination occurs weekly at base of trees
C. Predators
1. Harpy Eagles
D. Reproduction
1. sexual maturity at 3 years
2. six month gestation
3. birth about once a year
III. Ecological significance
A. Algae/mold on fur serves to feed various insects
B. Sloth moths
C. Defecation at tree base
IV. Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Refuge in Costa Rica
A. Research and rehabilitation
1. Only sloth refuge in the world
2. Rehabilitate and reintroduce injured sloths
B. Education
1. environmental education programs for local schools
2. Established the Buttercup Foundation Ð proceeds are used to purchase more land for protection and to educate public

Reference:
1. Baker, Christopher. Mammals. Online at http://photo.net/cr/moon/mammals.html. Viewed on 5/14/05.
2. The Three-toed sloth. Online at http://www.infocostarica.com/fauna/3sloth.html. viewed on 5/14/05.
3. Gould, Stephen Jay. April 1996. Can we truly know sloth and rapacity? Natural History. Vol 105(4) pg 18 Ð 26.
4. Klien, Lori. East does it for the two-toed sloth. The California Native International Newsletter. Online at http://www.calnative.com/stories/n_sloth.htm. Viewed on 5/13/05.
5. CentralAmerica.Com: Your Travel Specialists. Online at http://centralamerica.com/cr/moon/momammal.htm. Viewed on 5/14/05.
6. Baker, Christopher. Moon Travel Planner. Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Refuge. Online at http://www.moon.com/planner/costa_rica/mustsee/aviaros_caribe.html. Viewed on 5/14/05.
7. Gaudin, Timothy. February 2004. Phylogenetic relationships among sloths (Mammalia, Xenarthra, Tardigrada): the craniodental evidence. Zoological Journal of Linnean Society. Vol 140 (2): 255-305.


Next Article
Previous Article
Return to Topic Menu

Here is a list of responses that have been posted to your discussion topic...

Important: Press the Browser Reload button to view the latest contribution.

If you would like to post a response to this topic, fill out this form completely...

Response Title:
Author(s):

E-Mail:
Optional: For Further Info on this Topic, Check out this WWW Site:
Response Text:


DOWNLOAD the Paper Posting HTML Formating HELP SHEET!

We also have a GUIDE for depositing articles, images, data, etc in your research folders.

Article complete. Click HERE to return to the Pre-Course Presentation Outline and Paper Posting Menu. Or, you can return to the course syllabus

  • Tropical Marine Ecology of the Bahamas and Florida Keys
  • Tropical Ecosystems of Costa Rica
    • Site NAVIGATION--Table of Contents

    Listen to a "Voice Navigation" Intro! (Quicktime or MP3)

    Google
    Search WWW WITHIN-SITE Keyword Search!!

    WEATHER & EARTH SCIENCE RESOURCES

    TROPICAL ECOSYSTEM FIELD COURSES

    Hays' Tarantula Page| Ohio Bird Photo Collection | Tropical Bird Collection | Costa Rica Image Collection | Hays' Marine Ecology Images and Movies |Local Watershed Fish Studies| Wildflowers, Arthropods, ETC in SW Ohio | Earth Science Resources | Astronomy Links | Global Change | Marine Ecology "Creature Study Guide" |

    OTHER ACADEMIC COURSES, STUDENT RESEARCH, OTHER STUFF

    | Educational Philosophy | Discovery Labs: Moon, Geologic Time, Sun, Taxonomy, Frisbee | Project Dragonfly | Vita |Field Course Postings | Student Research Postings | Nature/Science Autobiography | Environmental Programs at Miami University

    TEACHING TOOLS & OTHER STUFF

    Daily Necessities: Macintosh Resources |Search Engines | Library Resources|Server Stats| Family Album | View My Schedule | View Guestbook | Western College "Multimedia Potpourri"

    It is 4:01:34 AM on Monday, May 12, 2008. Last Update: Sunday, May 15, 2005