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
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
A day for giving
-
Bukhansan National Park, South Korea
-
World Meteorological Day
-
Cosmic cliffs
-
Marseille welcomes to Olympic torch
-
Corn maze in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
-
Who uses this grassy bridge?
-
Creating a better world
-
Beauty comes in trees
-
South Stack Lighthouse, Holyhead, Wales
-
A rock giant
-
Single file, please!
-
World Rivers Day
-
Wintry Swiss bliss
-
Spreadsheet Day
-
A smooth landing, feet first
-
May the 4th be with you
-
Go fly a kite!
-
A triumphant pose
-
What are these unique creatures?
-
Connecting the dots
-
Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
-
Rocky Mountain run-off
-
The world’s greatest oasis?
-
Diwali
-
A vibrant, sun-drenched island
-
Pastel perfection
-
Gateway to Iberia
-
Nature’s blue wonder
-
Svolvaer, Lofoten Islands, Norway