Slender lorises facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slender lorises |
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| Gray slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus) | |
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Loris
É. Geoffroy, 1796
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The slender loris is a small, shy animal that lives in the forests of India and Sri Lanka. These amazing creatures are mostly active at night, which means they are nocturnal. They are known for moving very slowly and carefully through the trees. They have special thumbs and toes that can grip branches tightly, helping them stay safe high up. When a slender loris spots its next meal, it moves quietly closer, then quickly snatches it with both hands!
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What Does a Slender Loris Look Like?
A slender loris is about the same size as a squirrel, which is pretty small! They have tiny fingernails and two big, round brown eyes that help them see well in the dark. Their fur is usually a reddish-brown color, but they have soft white fur on their chest. They are very light, weighing only about 3 to 5 ounces (85 to 140 grams).
How Do Slender Lorises Behave?
Slender lorises spend almost all their time living high up in the trees. They are very social animals and often live in small groups. They love to groom each other, which means cleaning their fur. They also enjoy playing and wrestling gently with their friends. This helps them bond and stay close. During the day, they usually sleep curled up in tree hollows or thick bushes to stay hidden and safe.
What Do Slender Lorises Eat?
Slender lorises are not picky eaters! Their favorite foods are insects, especially tasty termites and roaches. But they also enjoy eating other small creatures like lizards and even small birds. Sometimes, they will snack on slugs or bird eggs. Besides animals, they also eat parts of plants like flowers, young leaves, and new shoots. They are important for their ecosystem because they help control insect populations.
Slender Loris History and Survival
For a long time, local people in the areas where slender lorises live believed these animals had special magical powers. Sadly, today, the exact number of slender lorises living in the wild is not fully known. They face many threats, like their forest homes being cut down and being illegally hunted for the pet trade or for traditional medicine. Many groups are working hard to protect these unique animals and their habitats so they can continue to thrive.
Images for kids
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The gray slender loris, Loris lydekkerianus, is found in India and Sri Lanka.
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The red slender loris, Loris tardigradus, is found in Sri Lanka.
See also
In Spanish: Loris (género) para niños
