Slow lorises are a group of several species of strepsirrhine primates. Found in South and Southeast Asia, they range from Bangladesh and Northeast India in the west to the Philippines in the east, and from the Yunnan province in China in the north to the island of Java in the south. Although many previous classifications recognized one all-inclusive species, there are now at least eight that are considered valid (including the Sunda slow loris, pictured). Slow lorises have a round head, narrow snout, large eyes, and a variety of distinctive coloration patterns. Their arms and legs are nearly equal in length, and their long trunk allows them to twist and extend to nearby branches. The hands and feet of slow lorises have a pincer-like grip, enabling them to grasp branches for long periods. Slow lorises have a toxic bite, a trait rare among mammals. They are omnivores, eating small animals, fruit, tree gum, and other vegetation. Many of the slow loris species are listed as either "Vulnerable" or "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List. Their habitat is rapidly disappearing, but the greatest causes of their decline are the exotic pet trade and traditional medicine. (Full article...)
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