Brown-throated three-toed sloth in cecropia tree, Costa Rica Mar 30, 2024

Brown-throated three-toed sloth in cecropia tree, Costa Rica

Costa Rica"s 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 other 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, when full, account for about 30% of their body weight. These shaggy critters are so sedentary that algae grow on their coats, which helps to camouflage them 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 emphasize the sloths" importance in the country"s ecosystem.

© Juan Carlos Vindas/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Mar 30, 2018The Vestibule at Diocletian s Palace, Split, Croatia
Mar 30, 2019Here’s why landmarks are going dark
Mar 30, 2020Spread some love with Bing
Mar 30, 2021Best fronds forever
Mar 30, 2022Belted Galloway cows
Mar 30, 2023Bright and colorful peacock feathers
Mar 30, 2025Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Mar 30, 2026Demoiselle cranes, India

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Mar 3, 2024World Wildlife Day
Dec 13, 2022Hallstatt, Austria
Apr 14, 2022Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Mar 11, 2022We stand with Ukraine
Mar 2, 2025Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains National Park, Australia
May 16, 2024International Day of Light
Jun 1, 2023World Reef Awareness Day
Aug 10, 2023World Lion Day
Sep 21, 2023International Day of Peace
Oct 27, 2022Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy
Sep 17, 2023Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
May 2, 2024Craters of the Moon centennial
Apr 15, 2024World Art Day
Nov 19, 2024Tasmans Arch, Tasmania, Australia
Jan 6, 2022Kochelsee in Bavaria
Dec 23, 2022Gentoo penguins in Antarctica
Jul 5, 2018Does it swim in slow motion too?
Jul 10, 2023A field of English lavender
Aug 26, 2022Kiteboarding and windsurfing in Croatia
Feb 8, 2023Uredd Rest Area, Norway
Dec 16, 2019Cape Town at dusk
Jan 14, 2025Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain
Aug 14, 2022World Lizard Day
Sep 11, 2024Patriot Day
Jul 16, 2020Summertime in Alaska
Jan 3, 2025Happy Birthday, J.R.R. Tolkien!
Oct 31, 2018Shhh, the movie is about to start
Jun 24, 2018The Twin Cities celebrate Pride
May 11, 2018Celebrating Minnesota’s statehood
May 22, 2024International Day for Biological Diversity