Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang)

MammalPrimateNocturnal

Overview

Slow lorises (genus Nycticebus) are small, nocturnal primates of South and Southeast Asia, with round heads, large forward-facing eyes, and slow, deliberate movements. The Sunda slow loris (Nycticebus coucang), shown here, is a typical example. Slow lorises are also one of the very few venomous mammals: they produce a toxin that, combined with their saliva, can give a painful, even dangerous, bite.

Their appealing looks have, sadly, made them targets of the illegal pet trade and online videos — a major reason these animals are now seriously threatened.

Conservation note: slow lorises are threatened by habitat loss and especially the illegal wildlife trade; several species are Endangered or Critically Endangered. Verify each species' status at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Slow lorises live in tropical forests and woodlands across South and Southeast Asia, including parts of India, southern China, and the islands and mainland of Southeast Asia. They are arboreal, spending their lives in trees, and depend on forest cover and connected canopy to move and forage.

Diet

Slow lorises are omnivores that feed on tree gum and sap, nectar, fruit, and insects and other small animals. Tree exudates (gums) are an especially important food. They forage slowly and carefully at night, gripping branches firmly with strong hands and feet adapted for a secure, deliberate climbing style.

Behavior

Slow lorises move with great deliberation and can stay still for long periods, relying on stealth rather than speed. Uniquely among primates, they are venomous: they secrete a toxin from a gland near the elbow, lick it up so it mixes with saliva, and can deliver a venomous bite used in defence and in disputes with other lorises. When threatened, a loris may raise its arms over its head to reach this gland. They are solitary or live in small family groups and communicate partly through scent.

Human Interaction & Conservation

The slow loris faces an acute threat from the illegal pet trade: animals are taken from the wild, often have their teeth painfully cut to make them “safe” to handle, and suffer high mortality — and viral “cute” videos have fuelled demand. They are also hunted for traditional medicine and lose habitat to deforestation. Conservation groups urge people never to buy lorises or share such videos. Consult the IUCN Red List for current status.

More photos of the slow loris