Slow Lorisスローロリス

Species Data

Classification

Primates / Lorisidae Source

Distribution

The Sunda slow loris is found across Sumatra, the Riau Archipelago, and the Natuna Islands in Indonesia, as well as the Malay Peninsula, southern Thailand, and Singapore, favoring rainforests with continuous dense canopy. Source

Did You Know?

• Slow lorises are among the few venomous primates, mixing secretions from a gland on their elbow with saliva to create a toxin that can trigger anaphylactic shock in humans who are bitten. Source
• Illegal pet trade poses a severe threat: traders often extract the teeth used to deliver venom before sale, and resulting infections carry a death rate of over 90%. Source
• True to its name, the slow loris moves with deliberate slowness, described as similar to crawling, changing direction almost silently as it navigates the canopy. Source

FAQ

Is the slow loris really venomous?

Yes. It is one of the few venomous mammals, mixing a secretion from a gland on its elbow with its saliva to produce a toxic bite that can cause anaphylactic shock in humans. Source

Why is the slow loris endangered?

It is heavily targeted by the illegal pet trade because of its slow movements and large eyes. Traders often extract its venom-delivering teeth before sale, and infections from this practice carry a mortality rate above 90%, alongside severe habitat loss. Source

What does the slow loris eat?

It feeds mainly on tree sap, floral nectar, and fruit, supplemented with insects, spiders, and bird eggs, and has specialized gut bacteria that help it digest sap. Source