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:

Jul 21, 2019A peek behind the royal curtain
Dec 10, 2019Congratulations, 2019 Nobel Prize laureates!
Apr 8, 2022Ponta Delgada
Apr 5, 2025Gaztelugatxe at sunset, Basque Country, Spain
Aug 3, 2018Taking the scenic route to Sturgis
Mar 22, 2025World Water Day
Apr 12, 2021In orbit for Yuri s Night
Jan 20, 2022Penguin Awareness Day
May 6, 2022Bluebells in Hertfordshire, England
Feb 26, 2019Snow on the temple
Feb 13, 2022American bison
Mar 1, 2026Womens History Month
Oct 17, 2025Rock River Falls, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Nov 21, 2021The Great Glen
Aug 22, 2018Summer’s in home stretch
Oct 20, 2024International Sloth Day
Jan 27, 2022Bluespotted ribbontail ray
Oct 29, 2018In search of a ‘great’ pumpkin
May 15, 2021Happy Astronomy Day!
Sep 22, 2022First day of autumn
Jan 8, 2024Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland
Jul 11, 2020How Quảng Ngãi got its grove back
Dec 17, 2019When in Rome...celebrate Saturnalia
Mar 29, 2023Manatee Appreciation Day
Feb 27, 2024International Polar Bear Day
Sep 3, 2019In the Most Serene Republic
Jan 25, 2023Burns Night
Oct 13, 2024Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Nov 22, 2023Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Oct 10, 2018Space is for everyone