Slow Loris Behaviour and Ecology

In 2012, we started our radio tracking and behavioural observations of Javan slow lorises. With thousands of hours of observations on their behaviour (feeding, social, vocal, infant development, posture, venom use, torpor and more!) we are the longest ever continuous study of a nocturnal primate in the wild. As of 2022, we are observing a fifth generation of slow lorises in our key family units! Check out our YouTube channel to see all the behaviours of the Javan Slow Loris on our Slow Loris Ethogram playlist.

Ecosystem Services

Habitat loss and fragmentation is the main cause of biodiversity loss. With human population growth, the conversion of wildlife habitat into human-dominated landscape is one of the main drivers of wildlife population decreases. Java is the most populated island in the world, with a density of more than 1,000 habitants per km2. LFP investigates how lorises cope with land use change in a human-dominated landscape through behavioural observations, vegetation surveys and spatial analysis and work with local people to find solutions.

Accelerometers

We are pioneering the use of small devices that can record the activity and body temperature of Javan slow lorises and Javan palm civets. Working also with our partners at Shaldon Wildlife Trust in the UK, we were able to validate accelerometers and are now learning in even more detail about the behaviour of cryptic nocturnal animals. You can read our BIAZA Award winning study on the validation of accelerometers with a Bengal slow loris here.

Venom

Slow lorises are one of the few venomous mammals. They have specialised brachial glands that produce an oil that when mixed with their saliva creates the venom. LFP is studying the function of this venom through behavioural studies in the wild, studies on captive slow lorises in zoos, as well as the chemical characteristics of venom through laboratory analysis. Read our review paper on slow loris venom here!

Slow Loris Bridges

Working with local communities, we have built water hose pipe bridges that are used by slow lorises and at least 20 other species. The success of these bridges in allowing lorises to move safely between trees, access additional food resources, and increase their home range size has led to their adoption by project partners Love Wildlife Foundation at the Khao Lak Merlin Resort and the Bangladesh Slow Loris Research & Conservation Project.

GPS Tracking of Javan Palm Civets

Habitat fragmentation has a strong impact on mammal community composition and species interactions. LFP is studying the small carnivore communities present in this highly fragmented landscape. This research is conducted through camera traps and sightings since 2012. Species such as banded linsang (Prionodon linsang) and Javan palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus javanicus) occur in the area, including the use of artificial bridges by the latter.