If you've ever scrolled through adorable animal videos online, you've likely encountered two of the internet's favorite tree-dwelling creatures. The koala vs sloth comparison captivates animal lovers worldwide, but some may be confused about what actually separates these fascinating animals.
Despite their cuddly appearances and seemingly relaxed lifestyles, the sloth vs koala comparison reveals surprising contrasts. And in this article, we’ll break down those differences in their biology, behavior, and evolutionary history.
Are Koalas and Sloths Related?
Despite their similar tree-dwelling lifestyles, the answer is a definitive no.
The koala and sloth developed their comparable traits through convergent evolution. This is when unrelated species evolve similar characteristics in response to similar environments.
Sloth vs koala evolutionary paths diverged long ago. Sloths belong to the order Pilosa and are most closely related to anteaters and armadillos. The koala, however, is a marsupial from the order Diprotodontia, which makes them distant cousins to wombats and kangaroos.
Their reproductive strategies further highlight koala vs sloth differences.
Koalas give birth to underdeveloped joeys that crawl into their mother's pouch for six months. Meanwhile, sloth infants are born fully developed with open eyes, teeth, and claws.
Sloth and koala species couldn't be more different. But at the same time, both are classified as herbivores though their specific diets differ significantly.
Physical Characteristics
When examining koala and sloth physical traits, several distinctions become apparent.
First, koalas are generally larger and weigh 8–33 pounds, standing 24–30 inches tall. Meanwhile, sloths typically weigh 10–15 pounds and measure 14–25 inches in height.
Their adaptations for tree life also showcase remarkable sloth vs koala differences.
Sloths have evolved specialized organs attached to their ribcage with fibrous adhesions that allow them to hang upside down without respiratory issues. Koalas, on the other hand, have developed two opposable thumbs on each hand that help them grip tree branches more efficiently.
Their claws also differ greatly. Sloths possess impressive 3–4 inch “fingers” that are actually protruding finger bones, while koalas have shorter 1–inch claws primarily used for climbing.
In terms of commonalities, sloths and koalas are both considered shy animals. They each prefer solitude and only interact with others during mating season.
Speed and Movement
Are koalas slower than sloths? Contrary to popular belief, koalas are significantly faster.
Sloths hold the title of the slowest animals in the world and move at just .10–.20 mph on the ground. Meanwhile, in the koala vs sloth speed comparison, the former can reach surprising bursts of 10–20 mph when threatened.
Interestingly, sloth and koala swimming abilities reveal another unexpected contrast.
Sloths are excellent swimmers and move three times faster in water than on land. Koalas, however, can swim across rivers to access food but aren't as naturally adapted to water.
Sleep Habits
Who sleeps more, koalas or sloths?
To dispel a major misconception in the sloth vs koala debate, the latter takes the crown here by sleeping an impressive 18–22 hours daily. By comparison, sloths actually sleep only 8–10 hours a day in the wild despite their reputation.
Now which is lazier, sloths or koalas? Well, it depends on how you define laziness.
Koalas sleep more, while sloths move more slowly. Both animals have evolved these strategies because their leaf-based diets provide limited energy.
These adaptations have earned them spots on lists of the world's laziest animals. But if you asked scientists, they prefer using terms like "energy efficient."
Sloths and koalas conserve energy differently, too. Sloths do so through slow movements rather than excessive sleep, like koalas.
Diet and Digestion
The koala and sloth both survive on leaves, but with specific preferences.
Koalas eat almost exclusively eucalyptus leaves, which contain toxins that would kill most animals. They've developed a special caecum organ that breaks down these toxins.
One of the interesting facts about koalas is that joeys aren't born with the bacteria needed to digest eucalyptus. Instead, they must consume their mother's pap (excrement) to obtain it.
Sloths and koalas stay hydrated primarily through leaf moisture, though both will drink water during hot periods. Sloths have been observed hanging from vines to drink from rivers, while koalas lick rainwater running down tree trunks.
Additional facts about sloths regarding their digestion involve their weekly bathroom routine. They only relieve themselves once a week and lose up to a third of their body weight in one sitting!
Protecting Our Icons of Sleep
Despite living on opposite sides of the world, the sloth and koala face similar threats. Understanding the unique qualities of these iconic animals is essential to their conservation.
At Fahlo, we partner with non-profit organizations to create bracelets (like the Lounge and Wander Bracelets) and plushes to protect these two adorable animals in nature. We started this mission in 2018, and have since been fortunate to donate millions of dollars to help save wildlife.
By combining a tangible bracelet and interactive tracking experience of real animals in the wild, our goal is to educate customers about sloths and koalas while exciting them about conservation.So would you like to help? Join us and choose your journey with Fahlo today.