Grey slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus)
Why in news?
Kerala and Tamil Nadu initiated habitat restoration and monitoring efforts for the grey slender loris as of early January 2026. A 2025 study in Tamil Nadu's Alagarmalai foothills documented an 80% decline in local populations, from over five lorises per square kilometer in December 2024 to just 17 sightings by March 2025.
About the Grey Slender Loris
The grey slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus) is a small nocturnal primate found in southern India and Sri Lanka, known for its large eyes, slender body, and slow, deliberate movements. It is considered one of the most primitive primates and plays an important ecological role as an insectivore.
Key Facts About the Grey Slender Loris
- Scientific name: Loris lydekkerianus
- Family: Loridae (part of the prosimian group, the oldest primates)
- Appearance: Slender body, grey-brown fur, large forward-facing eyes adapted for night vision, and small ears.
- Habitat: Tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, scrublands, bamboo thickets, and montane cloud forests.
- Distribution: Found mainly in southern India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu) and Sri Lanka.
- Subspecies: Includes Malabar slender loris, Mysore slender loris (India), Northern Ceylonese slender loris, and Highland slender loris (Sri Lanka).
Conservation Status
- Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization; hunting for traditional medicine and pet trade.
- Conservation efforts: Kerala and Tamil Nadu have recently launched habitat restoration and monitoring programs to protect populations.
- IUCN status: Near Threatened, with populations declining in many areas.
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