Hoffman's Sloth Choloepus hoffmanni Mammal Order Xenarthra Description Head and body length is 21 - 29 in.. Weight; 9 - 19 lbs.. Color: grayish brown with a paler face. The shoulders and top of the head being the darkest. The coat often has a greenish cast, produced by algal growth on the skin during the wet seasons. The forelimbs have two hooked claws,the hind limbs have three. Range Central to South America (Nicaragua to Peru and central Brazil.) Status C.I.T.E.S. III. Photo © Greg Neise

Ecology Habitat Lowland and upland tropical forests; montane forest to 7,000 ft.   Niche Nocturnal, arboreal and herbivorous, usually becomes active one hour before sunset feeding on leaves, tender twigs and fruits. Life History Females have a single young after an 11.5 month gestation. Females tend to gather in groups while males are solitary. Longevity in the wild is 12 to 20 years. In captivity, 32 year old specimens have been recorded. Special Adaptations A nocturnal lifestyle and extremely slow movements help the sloth go unnoticed. Special hairs encourage algae colonization on the body, offer effective camouflage as well as beneficial nutrients that can be absorbed by licking or through the skin. Sloths spend nearly their entire lives in an upside down position, eating, sleeping, mating and giving birth in that position.