Lori: thick and thin. Loris - big-eyed miracle (19 photos) Fat lorises

Some may think that " slow loris" is a very appropriate nickname for a clumsy eater.

But in fact, this is the name of a species of animal belonging to one of the five species of funny creatures with large eyes that are part of the loris family. In countries where they speak English language, it is also called “slow” due to the fact that it moves very smoothly.

The Latin name for slow lorises is Nycticebus. They live in eastern Bangladesh, northeastern India and the warm Indonesian islands in Indochina.

They are often quite unreasonably confused with lemurs. These animals are distinguished from each other by many characteristics, in particular the fact that lemurs live at a great distance from lorises - in Madagascar.

Another difference is that slow lorises, like other members of this family, lack a tail. More precisely, it exists, but this small size that it can only be detected by feeling the animal. These are small animals, whose body length can be from 18 to 38 cm, and their weight is no more than one and a half kilograms. Slow lorises are one of the few representatives of this family that survive in captivity.

But before you get yourself such a pet, you need to take into account the fact that there are five species in the genus of slow loris, and one of them, or rather the small slow loris, is poisonous. This tiny creature, only 18-20 cm in length with innocent eyes, can cause a lot of trouble. The fact is that on the elbow of this representative of the loris family there are glands that are capable of secreting a substance that, when mixed with saliva, becomes a potent poison.

In conditions wildlife Little slow lorises use this poison to protect their young from predators. To do this, they lick the baby's fur, which after such treatment becomes poisonous. The bites of these animals are also poisonous, since the elbow glands often come into contact with saliva.

And other types of slow lorises are absolutely harmless. They lead an active lifestyle at night, which explains the presence of such large eyes. Most often they live alone, sometimes in pairs or groups that are not created for a long time. As a rule, several females live in the area of ​​one male. A female, ready for fertilization, attracts a male with her urine, in which special pheromones appear during this period.

Females bear cubs for about three months. As a result, one baby is born. Immediately after birth, the cub clings to the mother's fur and spends the next two weeks in this state. And although just a day after birth he gains the ability to cling to tree branches, he still prefers to be near his mother’s nipple.

In the wild, male loris do not take part in raising their offspring, while in captivity some caring fathers simply take the cub away from the mother and protect it themselves and carry it on themselves, giving it to the mother only to feed it.

The main food products of lorises are insects, bird eggs, chicks and their small parents, various rodents, as well as nectar and fruits. They are peaceful and do not come into conflict with each other in the process of obtaining food. Most often, “neighbors” demonstrate different poses when they meet, or brush each other’s fur. For this procedure, the thick loris has a special tool - the so-called “cosmetic” claw, which is located on the second toe, and on all other fingers they have ordinary nails.

(Loris), And appearance The animals are quite consistent with their names. The largest is the fat Bengal loris ( Nycticebus bengalensis) - weighs more than two kilograms, and the smallest - the red slender loris - is only about 100 grams.

In India the loris is called " forest kids”, in Sumatra - “monkeys of the wind”, in Java - “moon-faced”. The "official" name for these animals, loris, comes from the old Dutch "loeris", meaning "clown". Since travelers who discovered the loris in 1770 compared it to a sloth for its leisurely movements, the adjective “slow” was assigned to the animal. To this day, representatives of the clan Nycticebus in English they are called "slow lorises".

Total to date in the subfamily Lorisinae There are 10 species. The closest relatives of the loris - potto and galago - live in Africa, while the lorises themselves are residents of Asia. For a long time, little was known about these creatures, but over the past decades, scientists have accumulated enough data to refute many of the rumors about lorises generated by traveler accounts and Aboriginal stories.

Observations of loris have shown that they are very active animals. The discoverers who compared loris to sloths described their behavior in daylight, but the loris' time comes at sunset. Thin lorises travel about a kilometer per night, thick ones - about five. The maximum recorded speed of loris movement is as much as 1.5 m/s! Lorises are designed to live in the canopy of trees - they are usually found at heights of up to 10 meters - and rarely end up on the ground. They cannot jump at all, but they climb excellently. The special structure of the spine allows the loris to make “snake-like” wave-like movements, and the mobility of the joints and the location of the thumbs at an angle to the rest allows it to grab surrounding branches. When lorises move in the treetops, they are able to stretch over an abyss, holding on to several branches at the same time. If they need to hang on a lonely branch, they feel uncomfortable and move slowly.

The loris diet consists of a variety of forest products. Slender lorises prefer insects or small vertebrates and only occasionally eat fruits and tree resin. Loris hunt, carefully observing the prey, and at the right moment they make a swift attack. Their touching emotions help them in this. big eyes: among the suborder of wet-nosed primates ( Strepsirrhines) in loris, the eye sockets are closest to each other - this allows you to have high angle stereoscopic vision.

Slow lorises, on the other hand, use their eyes mostly for searching. plant food. The diet of the slow loris includes both flower nectar and fruits, but its basis is plant juice. In a few seconds, the slow loris is able to make a hole in a branch or trunk to get to the nectar, which can be enjoyed for almost an hour, tightly clinging to the trunk. To prevent anyone from feasting on the loris itself at this time, it acquired a camouflage coloration. Their tongue, the longest among primates, and a serrated hyoid plate (see Sublingua) can penetrate tree flowers different shapes. At the same time, neat animals not only do not harm the flowers, but also play the role of pollinators, carrying pollen on their faces.

Loris inhabit not only the tropics, but also areas with pronounced seasonality. For example, in northern Vietnam, temperatures in winter can drop to 5°C, food becomes scarcer, and it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain body temperature. Therefore, especially Hard times Lorises prefer to hibernate. More recently, it was possible to show that the little loris ( Nycticebus pygmaeus) can fall into a multi-day (up to 62 hours, on average 43 hours) torpor, while the animal’s body temperature can drop from the usual 34°C to 11°C. Previously, the only primates that could hibernate were considered to be Madagascar lemurs.

Slow lorises are the only venomous primates. The poison is formed when the animal licks its elbow, mixing the secretions of the brachial, or brachial, gland with saliva. That is why, when there is fear and a sense of danger, the loris raises its elbows up. The mixture remains on the animal’s teeth, its bite becomes poisonous (in humans it can lead to anaphylactic shock and even death). A special structure of the teeth helps deliver the poison to its destination: the front teeth (fangs and incisors) of the loris are flattened and turned into a needle-sharp comb. Loris venom is multicomponent, its composition is species-specific and depends on the diet, which largely consists of poisonous plants. The sap of some trees that slow lorises feed on is deadly poisonous to humans, and lorises are immune to many toxins. Toxins from food can be included in the animal’s venom, thereby bringing it benefit instead of harm. The main component of loris venom is a protein from the secretoglobin family (see Secretoglobin), which are known only in mammals and are the main component of many substances secreted by them.

Galina Klink

Slow lorises are one of five genera of wild animals in the Loriaceae family, consisting of eight species, three of which have been formed quite recently. The main species include the following species: Bengal loris, slow loris, Javan loris, Kalimantan loris and dwarf or small slow loris. In 2013, the study of some individuals that previously belonged to the Kalimantan lorises allowed us to identify three more new species - N. borneanus, N. kayan and N. bancanus.

All representatives of the genus are included in the Red Book as vulnerable or endangered species. The export of slow lorises outside their native countries is prohibited by law and can result in fines and even imprisonment.

The habitat of rare animals extends from Bangladesh and Northeast India to the Philippines and from the Chinese province of Yunnan to the island of Java. They prefer tropical rainforests.

The size of slow lorises can vary depending on the species - body length ranges from 18 to 38 cm, and weight - from 300 grams to 1.5 kg. They are nocturnal animals, so nature has endowed them with large eyes with a reflective layer called tapetum, which allows them to see in the dark. The head is rounded, with a short muzzle. The eyes of all representatives of the genus are bordered by dark “glasses” and separated by a light stripe. Perhaps thanks to this appearance, resembling a clown mask, scientists have given The animal has a corresponding name - translated from Dutch “loeris” means “clown”. The fur of slow lorises is soft and dense, its color varies from grayish to yellow, on the abdomen hairline lighter. Another one distinguishing feature- a dark stripe running from the neck along the entire spine. The ears are small and round. The hind and forelimbs are well developed, almost equal in length. All toes of slow lorises have nails, with the exception of the second toes of the hind limbs, which are equipped with “cosmetic” claws intended for grooming.

Exotic representatives of the fauna world from Asia lead wood image life in natural environment habitat, practically without descending to the ground. They move with the help of four limbs, moving from branch to branch or moving along them along their length. Animals are endowed with an unusually strong grip of their arms and legs, which does not weaken throughout the day. This feature is explained special structure blood vessels of the extremities, providing intensive blood circulation and metabolism in the muscles during the movement of the animal.

Slow lorises lead night image life, spending most (more than 90%) of the active period alone. Sometimes they can form pairs or small unstable groups. They spend the day curled up in a fork of tree branches and holding them tightly with their paws, or they are located in tree hollows and other suitable shelters that lie at a height. One slow loris can have more than 60 favorite resting places. With the onset of darkness, the animals become animated and go hunting. They slowly travel along vines and tree branches, clinging to them with their fingers. To mark their territory, males regularly mark its boundaries, not forgetting to update these scent marks. While searching for food, they may accidentally encounter representatives of their own species, with whom their individual areas are adjacent. During such meetings, the animals touch each other, engage in mutual grooming, or communicate with each other through various poses. However, most often they receive information about a congener they have encountered through hearing and smell.

Compared to other mammals of similar size, slow lorises have an extremely slow metabolism, resulting in a very leisurely lifestyle. Their main feature– the smooth and somewhat slow nature of their movements helps them sneak up on prey unnoticed or hide from enemies. True, when lorises are not afraid, they are able to move quite quickly - for example, walking around the territory and leaving marks.

Depending on the time of year, the animals' diet consists of varying proportions of fruits, plants, tree resin, bird eggs, nectar, insects, terrestrial mollusks and small vertebrates. Animals catch insects with one or both hands, often grabbing branches with their hind limbs for better balance. To the main natural enemies Slow lorises include orangutans, pythons and changeable crested eagles.

Males reach sexual maturity at the age of 17-20 months, females at 18-24 months. Pregnancy lasts 180-190 days, after which the female gives birth to one or two cubs. Newborn lorises hold tightly to their mother’s fur for the first 14 days. Sometimes the female carefully removes the baby and places it in a hollow tree or a secluded fork in the branches, where it sits quietly and unnoticed while the mother forages for food. In case of discomfort, the cub emits a loud chirp, and the female hurries to him. It is believed that in the wild the male does not take part in raising the offspring, but in captivity they can take the cubs and carry them on themselves until they get hungry and want to return to the nurse. After 5-7 months, the baby is separated from the mother’s care, and at the age of 1-1.5 years he becomes old enough to live independently. In captivity, the life expectancy of representatives of the Loriidae family is 20-25 years.

Thick lorises are not the most talkative primates - they use sounds mainly to signal aggression, anxiety, and for communication between the cub and mother.

Despite the fact that international trade in slow lorises is prohibited and threatens to reduce their population, poachers continue to actively catch and export them for the purpose of selling them as pets. At the same time, the transportation of the animals does not take place, to put it mildly, under the most favorable conditions and many of them die on the road. There is also a serious danger mass felling tropical forests, whose inhabitants are these arboreal animals. World Fund Wildlife is making every effort to increase the slow loris population by promoting their breeding in reserves and in captivity.

Most people keep some kind of animal at home. Naturally, most often they turn out to be dogs or cats - nevertheless, they have been “cohabiting” with people for many centuries, although they have already lost (mostly) their utilitarian purpose. However, quite often people prefer to see something exotic in their apartment - even a crocodile in the bathroom (naturally, if you have two of them). In our opinion, these reptiles are not very successful as pet: no cuddle, no petting, no playing. But those who purchase a loris will get a lot of pleasure from the new inhabitant of the apartment.

Not to be confused with lemurs!

The correct name for these animals is slow loris. This is not a dirty name, but a scientific one. Animals are often called lemurs, although this is not entirely correct, and for several reasons.

First of all, the origins of the animals are completely different: the slow loris lives in Bangladesh, Indonesia and northeast India. Lemurs are brought from Madagascar, and this is quite far from the place where the loriki live.

The slow loris visually does not have a tail. Of course, he has it. But it is so small that it hides in thick fur, so you can only find it by touch.

Animals also differ in size. The slow loris does not exceed 38 centimeters in size, and its small variety only grows to 18. Lemurs reach 45 cm, and taking into account the tail, up to 60.

Structural features

However, the genus of loris has five representatives, among which it is quite possible to choose a safe “life partner.”

How to choose the right one

If you don’t want to be upset by your pet’s short lifespan and constant illnesses, take a closer look at the animal before purchasing it. And most importantly - how and where it is held former owner. A spacious and well-kept cage is required, and there should be no odor coming from it. The slow loris itself does not smell at home, as in the wild, so only an uncleaned house can stink.

It is better to adopt an animal at the age of six months - this makes it easier for the animal to get used to new faces and surroundings. The coat should be even and smooth; Bald spots indicate that either the animal is sick or it was poorly and incorrectly fed. The same applies to teeth - a color other than white again indicates an unbalanced diet or errors in care. Cloudy eyes or drooping eyelids also indicate the animal’s ill health.

Whom to take - a boy or a girl - depends on you. If you decide to get a couple, be prepared for the fact that the animals will not become tame: they will have enough communication with each other. But if you first take one loris, and after some time - a spouse for him, then both will willingly spend time with people.

Who should choose a cat or a dog?

But it’s worth thinking about the animal itself. Choose a different animal if your children are under five years old. Kids do not yet perceive admonitions on the topic “he is in pain” or “he is resting.” And the loris has a very independent character, and he also does not understand persuasion. So your child could be seriously bitten, and your purchase risks getting sick from nervous tension.

Those who like to take pictures, and even more so professional photographers They must also understand that this is not their animal - the slow loris. Its maintenance is not too difficult, but it does not allow frequent movement, and frequent photo flashes can blind the animal forever.

You can also show off your unusual animal only at home. If you carry it in your pocket for everyone to see, it won't last long. If you are annoyed by sounds during sleep, consider whether a lorik is right for you. Still, these are nocturnal animals, and their activity awakens at about eight in the evening. Some time later, the animal may learn some of your habits, but it will never become completely diurnal.

Food, home and domestication

As already mentioned, a cage for a loris is absolutely necessary. Moreover, it is quite large, with a tray into which you should not put filler - it is better to take old rags type of diapers. Cleaning will become much easier, and there will be no smell.

You should hang ropes and ropes in the cage, secure the branches so that the animal can climb all over it. You will need three feeders - for water, regular food and for vegetables or fruits. A house that can be made of fabric, suspended, or a wooden floor with a soft, warm bedding, will be very useful. You will also need a humidifier placed in the room. During the day, it is better to close the windows with curtains, since loris are sleeping at this time, and their eyes are very sensitive. And no drafts!

The food for these animals consists primarily of insects. In the summer, catch them yourself, in the winter you will have to buy (at least the same shrimps are well digestible, only they must be peeled, raw and not salted. Boiled ones will do chicken eggs, but not too often. Vegetables and fruits are presented in a wide assortment: pears, sour apples, grapes, bananas, mangoes, melons, cherries and watermelon, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers and avocados - all warm, peeled, pitted and cut.

You need to accustom your acquisition to yourself slowly, patiently, but persistently. You cannot wake up the lorik, you cannot tear it away from the cage, but you must definitely release it into the wild so that it can explore the surroundings. These animals love to be scratched and touchingly raise their arms if they have not yet “combed” and you have stopped this wonderful procedure. Make sure that the animal does not crawl into any hole, especially if it is not yet smart - it may not understand how to get out of there and start crying.

In general, watching them is so interesting that you will forget about the TV. The main thing is to communicate with the loris more, so that he begins to trust you and willingly climbs into your arms or wanders around the apartment.

Have you ever seen an alien who was mistakenly dropped on the wrong planet? If not, then you can look at the loris - an animal from South Asia. Due to the slowness of their movements for a long time They were considered sloths, but in fact they are prosimians, relatives of lemurs.

Name lemur loris translated as "clown". The touching face of this animal really looks like the makeup of a sad white clown: large eyes are surrounded by dark circles. The round body and full legs resemble a baggy clown suit.

Laurie lives in the crowns tall trees, where it finds shelter, food and protection from enemies, and almost never descends to the ground. They do not build any nests, and the young are born on any suitable branch. The animal is born with open eyes, covered with thick fur and immediately clings to the mother's fur. The first days she carries him on her stomach and feeds him with milk. He can also “travel”, clinging to the skin of his father or older brother, and his mother only takes him to feed him.

Lories are nocturnal animals. During the day they sleep sweetly, curled up into a ball. The feet hold the branch tightly, and the head is hidden between the “legs”. From the outside it looks like a motionless fluffy ball. To rest, they settle in a hollow, on a tree branch, or even better - in a convenient fork between the branches. And at night they go hunting (it is because of the nocturnal lifestyle that the loris has such large eyes compared to the body). U lemur loris very good hearing and in the silence of the night they can hear a subtle rustle. The animals are so careful that they move along the branches without shaking the leaves, freezing for a long time at the slightest danger.

Eating loris small lizards, bird eggs, juicy leaves and fruits. But they won’t refuse strong-smelling centipedes either, poisonous insects, slow beetles and fluffy caterpillars - everything that is inedible for other animals.

After which they begin to put themselves in order. Lori is very clean! They have 5 toes on their front and hind legs - just like you and me. And on ring fingers The “legs” even have nails, which they use for cosmetic purposes to comb their fur and pick out debris. Constantly licking and cleaning yourself, tidying up your fur, like a cat, is the most favorite hobby lori.

The animal is very strong for its size. It is almost impossible to tear it off the branch. Even strong man can open one leg of a loris with only two hands. However, as soon as he lets go of this paw to grab the other, the first one with a swift movement grabs the branch again, and it is very difficult to tear it off.

Loris love to play with each other. The animals lightly nudge each other, grab a tree branch with their hind legs and hang upside down. They stretch their paws towards each other, hug and lightly bite each other. And they can have fun like that for half an hour. If relatives are nearby, they also cannot resist such fun, and soon the entire flock becomes involved in the game.

This is interesting

Surprisingly, this primate is poisonous! Hidden on the animal's elbows are serious weapons - glands with poison. In case of danger, the loris sucks out the deadly substance and mixes it with saliva. Then the animal's bite becomes fatal. But the animal rarely uses such a serious “weapon”.