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Three-Toed Sloth

Three-Toed Sloth line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Three-Toed Sloth full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Three-Toed Sloth was completed on 10.3.09. I had been meaning to draw one of these amazing animals ever since I returned from Costa Rica. During my time in the rainforest more than once I saw these strange animals slowly moving through the canopy. I know they really *aren't* smiling, but it sure looks like they are. The drawing is based on a photo by Garrett MacDonald.

Information about the Three-Toed Sloth:

Three-Toed Sloth are one of four members of the Bradypus genus. All four live in the rainforests of Central and South America. These slow moving mammals spend most of their lives in the trees, coming down only when they must and to defecate. They cannot walk, but instead must drag themselves along on all fours. They are capable swimmers. Unlike most other mammals sloths cannot automatically maintain a constant body temperature and so can only live in warm and humid environments. Due to the moist air and slowness of the sloth algae is able to grow on the sloth's back, which helps camouflage the animal. Their fur is also home to small moths.