Is there a venomous primate?

Venom is common in snakes, spiders and jellyfish, but extremely rare in mammals, and the slow loris is the only primate known to have it.

How slow loris venom works

1. When threatened, a slow loris raises its arms above its head, a defensive pose that looks like a cobra.
2. It licks the brachial gland on its upper arm.
3. The secretion mixes with saliva to form venom.
4. It bites with sharp front teeth, injecting the venom.

The venom can cause pain, swelling and tissue damage, and in rare cases a severe allergic reaction in people. Scientists think lorises use it mostly against other lorises when competing for territory, as well as against predators and parasites.

Where they live

Slow lorises live in the forests of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. There are about nine species, all nocturnal, with huge eyes for seeing at night.

Why they’re “slow”

They move slowly and deliberately along branches, gripping tightly with their hands and feet. This quiet movement helps them sneak up on insects and avoid predators. They also eat tree sap, nectar and fruit.

A species in danger

All slow loris species are threatened. Major dangers include:

• Habitat loss from deforestation
• The illegal pet trade, fueled by viral videos of “cute” lorises being tickled. In reality, a loris raising its arms is often afraid, and traders frequently pull out their teeth to make them “safe,” which causes infections and suffering.
• Use in traditional medicine

Conservation groups urge people not to share or like videos of pet lorises.

Primates aren’t the only surprising animals; see which animal has three hearts. Protecting forest species matters for all life; read why biodiversity is important.