Slender loris

genus of mammals

The slender loris is a nocturnal hunter. It moves slowly through trees and grips branches tightly with its opposable thumbs and toes. When it attacks prey it goes closer and then snatches it with both hands.

Slender lorises [1]
Gray slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus)
Scientific classification
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Loris

Description change

The slender loris is about the size of a squirrel, and has small finger nails. It has two brown eyes, and has white fur on its chest.

 
A slender loris skeleton displayed in a museum

Habits change

The slender loris usually spends its time on trees. They like to groom and wrestle with each other.[source?]

Food change

These animals eat insects, lizards, birds, but will also eat things like slugs, flowers, shoots, young leaves, and sometimes even eggs. They would also like termites and roaches for a tasty treat.[2]

History change

Native people thought that the slender lorises had magical powers.[source?] It is not clear how many slender lorises survive in the wild.

References change

  1. Groves, Colin (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 122. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
  2. Discovery, Sharks and Predators, P.39