Mammalia > Primates > Lorisidae > Loris
Loris lydekkerianus Cabrera, 1908 – Slender Loris
Taxonomic Notes:
This species was considered to be a subspecies under Red Slender Loris Loris tardigradus once but now it is recognised as a distinct and separate species. Grey Slender Loris is endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka. Out of its four subspecies Mysore Slender Loris L. l. lydekkerianus and Malabar Slender L. l. malabaricus are endemic to S. India whereas L. l. nordicus and L. l. grandis are endemic to Sri Lanka.
Both the Indian subspecies of Grey Slender Loris are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/).Loris lydekkerianus – Slender Loris
Juveniles:
Indian and global distribution:
records (based on images):
Identification:
Sexual, seasonal & individual variation:
Status, Habitat and Habits:
Conservation Status:
Both the Indian subspecies of Grey Slender Loris are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/)
According to IUCN Red List assessment population of this species is decreasing all over its range. There is no global estimate of its population currently. The primary threat to its existence comes from habitat loss and fragmentation owing to several anthropogenic activities. Extension of agriculture, mining, logging and residential development has caused severe damage to its habitat. Another major threat comes from illegal pet trade. Slender Loris is one of the most trafficked animals under pet trade on which there is a ban on its trafficking internationally. Illegal pet trade poses a greater threat its persistence in wild.
Grey Slender Loris is an uncommon species. It is the smallest primate of India. As it is highly crepuscular and nocturnal which dwells in canopy, it often goes unnoticed. However, it can be located in the night by its shrill call. This species can be found in primary as well as secondary forests. It frequents both evergreen and deciduous; and moist or dry forests.
Conservation Status:
Both the Indian subspecies of Grey Slender Loris are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (https://www.iucnredlist.org/)According to IUCN Red List assessment population of this species is decreasing all over its range. There is no global estimate of its population currently. The primary threat to its existence comes from habitat loss and fragmentation owing to several anthropogenic activities. Extension of agriculture, mining, logging and residential development has caused severe damage to its habitat. Another major threat comes from illegal pet trade. Slender Loris is one of the most trafficked animals under pet trade on which there is a ban on its trafficking internationally. Illegal pet trade poses a greater threat its persistence in wild.
References:
Mammalia > Primates > Lorisidae > Loris
Cite this page along with its URL as:
Bayani, A. 2023. Loris lydekkerianus Cabrera, 1908 – Slender Loris. A. Bayani, R. Chakravarty, P. Roy, and K. Kunte (editors). Mammals of India, v. 1.13. editors.
http://www.mammalsofindia.org/sp/287/Loris-lydekkerianus
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