Slow lorikeets of the genus Nycticebus they’re an anomaly within the primate world. They are small, wide-eyed and appear gentle, yet they possess a biological weapon that no other primate has: venom. Yes, the slow loris is the one venomous primate on this planet, and its toxin may be deadly.
This nocturnal animal is present in South and Southeast Asia, from Bangladesh and northeastern India to the Philippines, and from Yunnan in China to the island of Java.
There are nine species inside this genus: Philippine loris, Bengal loris, greater loris, Kayan loris, Bangka loris, Bornean loris, Sumatran loris, Javan loris and pygmy loris.
They all have one virtue that distinguishes them from other primates: an lively venom delivery system.
How slow loris venom works
The source of a loris’ venom is just not its mouth, but its brachial glands, the small bald spots on the within the arms. These glands secrete a pungent, oily substance.
When threatened, the slow loris raises its arms and licks the realm. The oil mixes with saliva, creating an lively toxin. This mixture then flows to the canines through tiny grooves within the tooth structure.
When the animal bites, the venom is injected directly into the wound. The slow bite of a loris is powerful enough to pierce bone.
The venom can kill arthropods and small mammals. More than 200 chemicals have been identified within the pygmy loris’s shoulder glands alone. From a biological perspective, this constitutes an exceptionally sophisticated defense and offensive system for such a small primate.
What happens if a slow loris bites you?
It is a serious mistake to assume that loris venom is dangerous only to arthropods or small mammals and subsequently harmless to humans. This assumption is flawed. The same toxin may cause severe reactions when introduced into the human body.
Slow loris bites may cause intense pain, swelling, numbness, and wounds that heal poorly and are liable to infection. In some cases, nerve damage and long-term skin complications occur.
The most dangerous response is anaphylaxis – a severe, life-threatening allergic response. Medical reports document a person living in the inside of Kalimantan who experienced nausea, shortness of breath, numb lips and excessive sweating after being bitten by a slow loris, though he had no previous allergy. He was admitted to hospital with anaphylactic shock.
Another case in Japan involved a 37-year-old woman who was bitten by her pet, a slow loris, and suffered severe anaphylactic shock.
The effects of the venom depend largely on the sensitivity of the victim. In mild cases, the bite area becomes numb. In severe cases, heart problems, anaphylaxis and even death may occur. For this reason, viewing slow lorikeets as secure pets is deeply flawed.
They don’t just bite predators, they bite one another
Another surprising fact is that slow lorikeets don’t use their venom solely against predators or to subdue prey. They also use it against other slow lorikeets.
In a study published in Current biology examining 82 wild Javan lorikeets, about 20 percent had fresh bite wounds inflicted by other individuals. About a 3rd of ladies and 57 percent of men had bite marks.
This behavior is closely related to territoriality. Males defend their mates, females protect their offspring and food resources, and each sexes actively guard their territories.
The use of venom in such internal conflicts is incredibly rare amongst mammals. Slow lorikeets are considered one of a really small group of venomous mammals that use their venom against members of their very own species, together with vampire bats, some species of shrews, the platypus and solenodon.
These primates also use venom passively. Before leaving her infant alone in a tree to forage, the mother slow loris will lick her arm glands and nurse her offspring. The venom deposited on the infant’s fur is believed to assist protect it from predators similar to clouded leopards and sun bears.
For a long time, scientists have debated the evolutionary purpose of venom in primates. Initially, it was thought that its primary function was to defend against predators and parasites. However, hundreds of hours of field observations of Javan lorikeets indicate that venom plays a significant role in competition between individuals.
Slow lorikeets should not sloths
Due to their slow movements, slow loras are sometimes confused with sloths. In fact, these two things are fundamentally different. Sloths live in Central and South America, while slow lorikeets live only in South and Southeast Asia.
When it comes to hurry, slow lorises are literally faster. Three-toed sloths move at a speed of about 0.011 miles per hour. Slow lorikeets can reach speeds of as much as 3 km per hour, and when attacking prey they move even faster. Sloths depend on camouflage to survive; slow lorises depend on venom.
Unfortunately, all slow loris species are currently experiencing population decline and their conservation status ranges from endangered to critically endangered. Some species, similar to the Bangka slow loris and the Javan slow loris, are classified as critically endangered.
All slow loris species are legally protected throughout South Asia, including Indonesia, and are listed on CITES. Despite this, their exact number within the wild stays unknown.
Ironically, the lovable appearance of slow loris has fueled the illegal wildlife trade and the trend of keeping them as exotic pets. In fact, the slow bite of a loris is just not harmless.
