• Question: why do sloth hang on trees upside down

    Asked by emily72 to Jo, Kevin, Valeria on 21 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Kevin Mahon

      Kevin Mahon answered on 21 Jun 2012:

      It’s a way of saving enrgy – animals that climb onto trees need to balance and this takes concentration and mental energy. By hanging perfectly and securley like they do, sloths are able to save energy and sleep deeply while in the safety of a tree!

    • Photo: Joanna Cruden

      Joanna Cruden answered on 21 Jun 2012:

      They can sleep upside-down for 18 hours, it also protects them from predators like the Jaguar, some sloths stay in the same tree for years!

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