Slow Loris: This Nocturnal Animal is Cute but Poisonous!

If one is to describe the slow loris, he'd say it is a contradiction. This means that the animal species may be cute in physical appearance, but they are toxic, too!

Science Focus also describes the animal as fractious and possibly lethal. The only poisonous primate in the world, these so-called nocturnal animals live in South and Southeast Asia's rainforests.

At least eight species have been identified, including the Sunda slow loris, the Bengal slow loris, and the pygmy slow loris, all presently declining in number.

This animal species was described for the very first time in the 18th Century when they were thought to be sluggish and sloth-like, and so their name was created.

Slow lorises stay still for hours and are inclined to move slowly. They freeze and hide at the back of their hands when they get startled, although they can shift as well when they need to, for example, when dodging a predator or catching a bug.

Nocturnal Animals

According to a HowStuffWorks report, and as earlier mentioned, slow lorises are "native to Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, Laos, eastern Cambodia, and the Yunnan province in the south of China.

These animals live in bamboo branches as well as hardwood forests. They typically sleep during the day in hollows or crevices. Indeed, slow lorises are nocturnal, not to mention they are considered opportunistic hunters.

They are using their excellent sense of smell in the quest for insects and other tiny prey, although they also eat tree and fruit gum or high glucose sap. More so, they lick dew off leaves to moisturize.

According to education technician Anna Lee from the Duke Lemur Center at Duke University in Durham, "when two lorises cross paths, interactions are positive.

Such interchanges include grooming rather than fighting. In the wild, males and females occasionally stay on the same site while their offspring are young, starting small family groups until the offspring get older and disperse.

Slow Loris Diet

Slow lorises are omnivores, as specified in a DeliciousFood report. These animals eat insects, birds, nectar, gum, fruit, and reptiles.

The bottom front teeth of these animals are modified to form a structure known as a toothcomb, used to groom and gouge holes, more than a hundred in just one night, in tree trunks so they can get gum.

They have a long, narrow tongue, which helps them reach the gum and retrieve nectar from flowers. Frequently, they hang upside-down by their feet for them to eat with both hands.

Essentially, the slow loris has a raised, bald patch, particularly on its inner upper arm. This is also known as the brachial gland, which secretes a strong, poisonous oil.

When the slow loris feels threatened, it raises its arms and licks the gland. Then, the oil and saliva mix, producing a poisonous solution which is then drawn to the tip of the toothcomb by capillary action. And when it's biting, the venom enters the victim's bloodstream.

Related information about slow loris is shown on Seeker's YouTube video below:

Check out more news and information on Animals in Science Times.