The loris is a small (0.3-2.9 lbs) mammal native to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, and Southern Africa. There are three kinds of loris: slow, pygmy slow, and slender (affectionately known as a ‘banana on stilts’). Resembling miniature ewoks with their giant-eyes and furry bodies, these nocturnal mammals are not only impossibly cute but are also the world’s only venomous primate. When they are nervous, the loris sucks on a gland on their elbows that releases venom, mix it with its saliva in its mouth, and then deliver a toxic bite (interestingly, the chemical that they emit is similar to the allergen produced by domestic cats that cause reactions in some people). Lorises are also known for their extremely strong fingers and toes, which allow them to lock onto tree branches upside down for hours. They move extremely slowly, as true to their name, and they sleep curled up in a ball, with their head tucked between their legs.
Unfortunately, both their venom and their cuteness gets the loris into trouble. There is a big market for lorises in Vietnam to enter into the pet trade. Worse, because of their venomous bites, illegal traders will cut out the primates’ teeth with wire cutters, often leading to infection or death. Viral videos of pet owners tickling frightened lorises have only contributed to the pet trade’s success. They also face threats from spiritual traditions; one superstition says that no traffic accidents will occur along a road that has a loris buried next to it. Deforestation is yet another threat.
Slow lorises’ responses when frightened have given them a number of nicknames. In Indonesia, slow lorises are called malu malu (“shy one”) because of their tendency to freeze and cover their face when seen. In the Acehnese name, slow lorises are called buah angin (“wind monkey”) due to their ability to “fleetingly but silently escape.”
For an example of the frighteningly adorable tickling videos contributing to the pet trade, check out this video.
Unfortunately, both their venom and their cuteness gets the loris into trouble. There is a big market for lorises in Vietnam to enter into the pet trade. Worse, because of their venomous bites, illegal traders will cut out the primates’ teeth with wire cutters, often leading to infection or death. Viral videos of pet owners tickling frightened lorises have only contributed to the pet trade’s success. They also face threats from spiritual traditions; one superstition says that no traffic accidents will occur along a road that has a loris buried next to it. Deforestation is yet another threat.
Slow lorises’ responses when frightened have given them a number of nicknames. In Indonesia, slow lorises are called malu malu (“shy one”) because of their tendency to freeze and cover their face when seen. In the Acehnese name, slow lorises are called buah angin (“wind monkey”) due to their ability to “fleetingly but silently escape.”
For an example of the frighteningly adorable tickling videos contributing to the pet trade, check out this video.
