The hidden sexual habits of Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths have been revealed by scientists.

Mating activity of the “lazy” mammals was analysed in Costa Rica to assess the effect of a sedentary lifestyle.

Ecologists discovered a mating system where male sloths did not monopolise females but did show signs of defending some territory.

The study could help scientists understand how to protect other species threatened with habitat fragmentation.

The findings were published in the journal Animal Behaviour.

“It’s not a total free for all,” said one of the team, Dr Zach Peery.

Although sloth physiology and anatomy is well understood, the behaviour of sloth species is not, said Dr Jonathan Pauli, who co-authored the University of Wisconsin study with Dr Zach Peery.

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