Three-toed Sloth
Three-toed Sloth
Mammal
The three-toed sloth is the slowest mammal in the world, moving so gently through the treetops that green algae grows in its fur as camouflage.
💡 Fun Facts
- The slowest mammal in the world.
- Moves so slowly that green algae grows in its fur, which provides camouflage.
- It only comes down from the trees once a week.
Name Story
Bradypus variegatus
means “the mottled slow-foot”
What does its name mean?
- Bradypus — slow-footGreek bradys 'slow' + pous 'foot'
- variegatus — mottled, patchyLatin, for its blotchy coat
'Slow-foot' is the truest name imaginable, for the sloth is the slowest mammal on Earth. It moves so little that tiny green algae actually grow in its shaggy, mottled fur — part of the very patchiness its name describes.