Maned three-toed sloths have been observed copulating while locked in a tight embrace high in the canopy of the forest. Mane size and darkness of male sloths may reflect health and vitality. The mating system of sloths indicates that males compete with one another for access to females, suggesting that female sloths choose larger and more powerful males with which to mate. ( Chiarello, 1998 Chiarello, 2006 Eisenberg and Redford, 1999 Emmons and Francois, 1990) Aside from this, there is little available information regarding the basal metabolic rate of any species in the genus Bradypus. This may be an adaptation for feeding on leaves that contain low nutrients. Three toed sloths are characterized by a low metabolic rate and a low core body temperature. This dentition is effective in shearing and mashing of leaves. Maned three-toed sloths have no true canines or incisors, but rather, a set of cheek teeth that are not clearly separated into premolars and molars resulting in a dentition of 0-0-5 and 0-0-4-5. torquatus consists of five peglike teeth on each side of the maxilla and four teeth in the mandible. The claws also allows them to grasp objects against the palm of the hand with a pincer-like grip. They have 3 long, curved claws that form a hook, allowing them to suspend from branches. Maned three-toed sloths have feet without any free toes. Female sloths of the species Bradypus tridactylus are also heavier and larger than males. This is similar to Bradypus variegatus in Bolivia, where larger body sizes are common in high altitude forests, whereas smaller body sizes are found in warmer lowlands of the Amazon. Geographical variation exists among both sexes maned female sloths that live in low altitude regions (0 to 350 meters) are smaller than females that live in colder and higher altitudes (600 to 1000 meters). However, it is difficult to distinguish sexes externally, the only reliable method is karyotype analysis. Females tend to be larger and heavier than males. Maned three-toed sloths are the largest of three-toed sloth species, from 3.6 to 4.2 kg. They have short, stubby tails that ranges in size from 48 to 50 millimeters. From the tip of the nose to the inflection point of the tail, individuals measure 450 to 500 millimeters. They have long limbs that range in size from 100 to 115 millimeters in length. Maned three-toed sloths are brown on the face and chin and the head can rotate beyond 90 degrees. ( Chiarello, 2006 Eisenberg and Redford, 1999 Emmons and Francois, 1990) The black mane might be a visual signal that helps females recognize males. Bradypus torquatus males possess an emblematic black mane around the dorsal region of the neck, this black mane is absent in females and infants. From the nape of the neck to the shoulder region, maned three-toed sloths have fur that is approximately 15 centimeters in length and projects as shaggy plumes, giving them a maned appearance. This unique growth pattern helps to accommodate their upside-down lifestyle, shedding water from the fur, as sloths are strict arboreal mammals who spend the vast majority of their time in a suspensory position. The fur grows from the hind legs towards the head. Species in the genus Bradypus all have fur with a greenish tint, which is due to the growth of algae on the hairs. ( Dias, 2008 "Life-history traits and sexual dimorphism of the Atlantic forest maned sloth Bradypus torquatus", 2005) Santa Lucia has a wet and hot season between October and March with a drier and cooler season between April and September. Santa Lucia receives heavy rainfall, with an annual average precipitation of 1868 millimeters, and an annual average temperature of 19.9 degrees Celsius. Given a lack of published data regarding the climate of Espirito Santo state, scientists have used nearby Santa Lucia, which is 18 kilometers from Espirito Santo state and boasts similar topography, altitude, and canopy cover. The topography of Espirito Santo is hilly with average altitudes ranging from 600 to 800 meters. In this region, maned three-toed sloth populations are between 100 and 200 individuals. Habitats in this state are mostly secondary and are classified as dense ombrophilous. The highest concentration of individuals is found in Espirito Santo, Brazil. Maned three-toed sloths are found at altitudes as high as 1000 meters. Bradypus torquatus occurs in patches of the coastal Brazilian Atlantic rain forest within the states of Bahia, Espirito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro.
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