Details
Nycticebus coucang
The Sunda slow loris is a nocturnal primate that moves deliberately through Southeast Asian trees. Large eyes help it search dark forest for gum, nectar, and insects.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It occurs in Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and nearby areas. Evergreen forest, secondary growth, and fruiting woodland are used, but connected canopy is important for travel.
Length 27-38 cm; weight 600 g-2.1 kg. A round face, large forward-facing eyes, tiny tail, and grasping limbs suit slow movement along branches.
Nocturnal and mostly solitary, it moves quietly and slowly through branches. Scent marking helps define its range.
An omnivore, it eats tree gum, nectar, fruit, insects, and small animals. It gouges bark with its teeth and licks the exudates that flow out.
Females give birth to one infant and may park it on branches while foraging. The young is carried by the mother and learns night travel and food sources.
It is listed as Endangered. Forest loss and the illegal pet trade are major threats, and captured animals may have their teeth removed.
