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 to emphasise the sloths" importance in the country"s ecosystem.
Brown-throated three-toed sloth
Today in History
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Best views tower
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Castle in the sky
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Pick your paradise
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Happy Boxing Day!
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A grand view
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A pink moon over Arizona
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Holding back the tide
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Happy Hogmanay!
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London Marathon
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The butterfly effect
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Don’t look down!
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A curious little otter pup
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Grey seal pup
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International Whale Shark Day
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Whos in this creepy copse?
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Sentinel of the sea
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An ocean of stars above the desert
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Protecting Earths biodiversity for everyone
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Dare to delve into this dense swamp
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Race to the finish
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The ruins of an ancient monastery, Skellig Michael, Ireland
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Protecting the gentle giants
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An explosive history
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A flashy, frigid waterfowl
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Discovery Day in Yukon, Canada
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South Downs Dark Skies Festival
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Sequoias of the sea
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St James Tidal Pool, Cape Town, South Africa
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A stunning chamber for beautiful art