Slender Loris - UPSC Notes on Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary

An Introduction to the Slender Loris

Image credit: www.wwfindia.org

The Slender Loris, a small nocturnal primate that measures approximately 25 cm in length, is known for its long, thin arms and its weight of around 175 grams. They have a small tail and their most distinctive feature is their large, closely set brown eyes. These arboreal creatures spend the majority of their lives in trees, feasting on a diet of insects, leaves, flowers, slugs, and occasionally bird eggs.

• Scientific name – Loris tardigradus
• The Slender Lorises are a genus of Loris native to India and Sri Lanka.
• This genus consists of two species –
  • Red Slender Loris, native to Sri Lanka
  • Gray Slender Loris, found in both Sri Lanka and India

The Slender Loris' Habitat

These creatures are typically found in a variety of environments, including tropical rainforests, scrub forests, semi-deciduous forests, and swamps.

• According to a study conducted by Sacon (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History), Coimbatore, these mammals were originally found in various districts, including Trichy, Pudukottai, Karur, Dindigul, and Sivaganga. However, due to habitat loss and other factors, they have since relocated to the forests of Dindigul and Karur.
• The Thoppaswamimalai Reserved Forest in Dindigul and the Mullipadi Reserved Forest in Karur district are home to the largest populations of lorises. Additionally, the nocturnal house in Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, houses two slender lorises.

Threats to the Slender Loris

• These animals are often hunted by poachers due to the mistaken belief that they possess magical and medicinal properties. This, coupled with the destruction of their habitat, poses a significant threat to their survival.

The Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary

In an effort to protect the Slender Loris, the Tamil Nadu government has designated 11806 hectares of forest area in Dindigul and Karur districts as a sanctuary for these animals. The Kadavur Slender Loris Sanctuary is the first of its kind in the country and aims to safeguard the habitat of this endangered species, as classified by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature). The slender loris is also protected under Schedule Ⅰ of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.