Pygmy Slow Loris Nycticebus pygmaeus
Description
The lesser slow loris has a head and body length of about 7-8 inches and vestigial tail. Their weight is about 12 ounces. The fur is short, thick and woolly. Head and eyes are round and small ears almost hidden by fur. Fore and hind limbs are about equal in length. Muscles enable effortless hand grasp and rigidly clenched feet. Nocturnal and arboreal, it seldom descends to the ground. Adult males are strongly territorial and will not tolerate another adult male in the family group. Vocalizations include low buzzing hiss or growl when disturbed, a single hi-pitched rising tone for making contact, and a high pure whistle by the female in estrus.During courtship both sexes make contact by whistles. Births usually occur in the open, not in a nest. Newborn infants look like miniature adults: they have a full fur coat, and their eyes open on the day of birth. Because the infants are so well developed at birth, mothers are able to park them on branches while they go off to search for food. Loris mothers maintain vocal comunication with their babies through soft chirps, and infants will emit a series of rapid clicks and squeaks when they are in distress.
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Range
The range of the lesser slow loris is Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Habitat
The lesser slow loris inhabits forests or bamboo groves.
Gestation
Gestation lasts about 193 days.
Litter
They have 1-2 offspring.
Behavior
The lesser slow loris is nocturnal and arboreal and it seldom descends to the ground. It sleeps curled up in the fork of a tree or clump of bamboo. It walks hand over feet over hand along branches, usually slowly by it can go faster. Though appearing slow, it can strike with speed. Gripping a branch with both feet and standing erect, it throws its body forward and seizes its prey with both hands. Adult males are strongly territorial and will not tolerate another adult male in the family group. Urine marks their territory. Vocalizations include low buzzing hiss or growl when disturbed, a single h-hi-pitched rising tone for making contact, and a high pure whistle by the female in estrus.
Reproduction
During courtship, lesser slow lorises of both sexes make contact by whistles. Females have a 37-54 day estrous cycle and are receptive for 5-6 days. Births usually occur in the open, not in a nest. Newborn infants look like miniature adults: they have a full fur coat, and their eyes open on the day of birth. Because the infants are so well developed at birth, mothers are able to “park” them on branches while they go off to search for food. Loris mothers maintain vocal comunication with their babies through soft chirps, and infants will emit a series of rapid clicks and squeaks when they are in distress. The mothers will immediately return if they hear this call. Nursing continues up to 9 months. Females have 2 to 3 pairs of mammae and the male has no baculum.
Diet (Wild)
Large mollusks, insects, lizards, birds, small mammals, fruits
Conservation Status
Primary Threats
Human Wildlife Coexistence
