Quite an exciting discovery for us was spotting this sloth apparently fast asleep in an embaúba tree, just next to the vehicle track near the entrance to the farm. At first sight it almost looked like a large wasp's nest, as it rolls itself up into a ball while sleeping. It is the most common sloth species, the Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus) which occurs throughout the tropical forests of South and Central America. Interesting that it was in one of the most degraded areas of forest on the property, close to where it borders with cattle pasture, but I guess this is explained by the fact that sloths are particularly associated with trees of the cecropha genus, of which this is one. Being fast-growing pioneer species, by definition they tend to be most abundant in recently-cleared areas where the forest is just starting to regenerate.
Speaking of sloths reminds me of an interesting theory I heard recently regarding one of the most unusual palm tree species we get in the forest interior, known as brejaúva in Portuguese (Astrocaryum aculeatissimum). Its most distinctive feature is that is has rings of extremely sharp needles running up the whole length of its trunk, which can be very painful if you accidentally grab one of these trees. The theory is that the tree evolved these spines, which don't seem to have an obvious purpose now, as protection against the megatherium giant ground sloths that roamed these forests until they died out some 10,000 years ago. No idea if it is true, but it is a nice thought.
We are getting better at techniques of encouraging birds close to the house and living areas of the farm so that visitors can appreciate the full variety. One of the more successful ideas was to hang complete bunches of bananas cut from our own banana trees, near the barbecue area. As winter approaches and there are fewer native fruits available in the forest, this is bringing out a host of colourful tanagers during the day, such this this female Violaceous Euphonia (Euphonia Violacea) and, below, the ulta-colourful Green-headed Tanager (Tangara seledon).
Another method -- hardly original -- is to put out more of these hummingbird feeders with a sugar mixture which they can access through holes in the base. This one is just by the kitchen door and is proving very popular. One quite comical sight is when you take the feeders down to change the mixture, the hummingbirds will still come to the spot where it usually hangs, hovering for a few seconds looking confused before darting off again.
