Slender loris UPSC | IUCN Status, Conservation Status, Scientific Name

Slender loris UPSC | Why In The News ?

In Karur, a conservation dilemma regarding the slender loris | Source : Down to Earth

Slender loris UPSC | Species In news

Key Points About News	The Kadavur hills in central Tamil Nadu’s Karur district are home to the Kadavur Reserve Forest. These forests are home to the shy and reclusive slender loris, a species of primate. There is a conservation dilemma regarding these animals in the area currently. The wildlife census conducted during 2016-17 showed an appreciable population of 3,500 slender loris in the Kadavur Reserve Forest.
About the Slender loris (Loris tardigradus):	It is secretive and has nocturnal habits. It usually travels from the canopy of one tree to another. But, at times, it also comes down to bushes at the ground level to feed. It sleeps by day in the foliage or in a hole or crevice. It comes out at dusk in search of prey. They are fond of lantana berries and also eat insects, lizards, small birds, tree frogs, tender leaves and buds. They play a key role in controlling agricultural crop pests.
Survival threats:	As it is believed that these animals have some medicinal properties, they are captured and sold. There is great demand for keeping these animal as pets, they are illegally smuggled. Habitat loss, electrocution of live wires and road accidents are other threats that have caused its populations to dwindle.
Conservation Status:	IUCN Status: Endangered. It has been brought under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in order to provide the highest level of legal protection.