Costa Rica"s lush forests are habitats for two sloth species: Hoffmann"s two-toed sloth and the star of today"s homepage, the brown-throated three-toed sloth. Despite being larger than many tree-dwelling mammals, three-toed sloths have adapted by reducing their muscle mass and size to thrive on treetops. Their large stomachs have four chambers, which can make up to 30% of their body weight when full. These shaggy critters are so sedentary that algae grow on their coats. This symbiotic relationship provides them with a greenish hue, offering effective camouflage within the rainforest canopy. In 2021, these slow-moving creatures were declared national symbols in Costa Rica. Then-President Carlos Alvarado signed the initiative into law in 2021 to emphasise the sloths" importance in the country"s ecosystem.
Brown-throated three-toed sloth
Today in History
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A glimpse of Yoho National Park
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Nimble and stealthy
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Birch trees, Drammen, Norway
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Small but mighty
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Chasing summer in the art world
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Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
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The Painted Hills, Oregon
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Dragon waterfall, Venezuela
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An underwater paradise to explore
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Sea Otter Awareness Week
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Napping near the North Pole
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Jewel of the Adriatic
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World Meteorological Day
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The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England
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‘Night shining’ clouds
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In the tropics, land greets sea warmly
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Gateway to Iberia
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Two hungry baby beavers
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What the heck is a distaff?
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A day for giving
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Celebrating the Scottish bard
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Hangin around
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Stars in daylight
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SantaPark, Lapland, Finland
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World Architecture Day
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An archaelogical treasure
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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
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Jeju Island, South Korea
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High above the Aegean Sea
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Santa slalom