Why three-toed sloths risk their lives to help moths ?

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/sloth-poop-moth-relationship

What seems clear to researchers is that sloths, moths, and algae all benefit from their shared arrangement. And now, a team of scientists in Costa Rica is exploring whether the microbiome living on sloths could boost human health, too. Many experts believe sloths are resistant to illness or infection; testing fur samples, the Costa Rican team isolated previously unknown bacteria that may lead to new antibiotics. As concerns mount about superbugs that are capable of defeating existing medications, what if remedies are discovered on the backs and bellies of sloths?

![](https://m.stacker.news/95721)

The Three-Toed Sloths are four species of South and Central American sloths that have been named thus for their three clawed toes on each limb.

Scientific Name – Bradypustridactylus

Classification – Bradypus

Gender Names – Male – male; Female – female; Baby – baby

Collective Noun – Bed

Length/Size – 45 cm (18 in)

Weight – 3.5–4.5 kg (8–10 lb)

Top Speed – 0.15 mph

Life Expectancy – Varies among sloth species (usually between 25 and 30 years)

Mating Season – Varies among sloth species

Gestation Period – 6 months

Special Features – Adult sloths mark territories by anal scent glands and dung middens

Social Structure – Adults lives alone; females live with young ones until weaning

Geographical Distribution – Central and South America (depending upon sloth species)

Natural Habitat – On the treetop in the dense rainforests

World Population – Varies among species

Diet – Leaves, Buds, Fruit

Predators – Eagles, Snakes, Jaguar

https://stacker.news/items/1001496

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