SLOW LORRIS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Villagers in Shimlabagan, Shantipur, near the Indo-Bhutan border in Chirang, have reported sighting a rare endangered primate, the Slow Loris. This rare sighting has drawn attention to the region's rich biodiversity.

Slow Loris

• About: Lorises belong to the subfamily Lorisinae and comprise about 11 species of tail-less or short-tailed primates.
• Habitat: South and Southeast Asian forests.
• Physical Characteristics: They are arboreal and nocturnal, with soft gray or brown fur, large eyes encircled by dark patches, and short index fingers.

• Slender Lorises: The two species of slender lorises, the red slender loris (Loris tardigradus) and the gray slender loris (L. lydekkerianus), are found in India and Sri Lanka, measuring about 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) in length. 
• Behavior and Naming: Slow lorises are solitary and territorial. 

o They are known for their ability to remain motionless for extended periods, which led to their name due to their slower pace compared to other forest animals.

• Conservation Status: According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), all species except the gray slender loris are considered threatened.

o The red slender loris, with its subspecies, has been classified as endangered since 2004. 

o The Philippine slow loris is vulnerable.

o Sunda slow loris and Bengal slow loris are endangered. 

o The Javan slow loris and Bangka slow loris are critically endangered.