Nycticebus

Nycticebus is a genus of nocturnal primates in the family Lorisidae, commonly known as slow lorises. They occur in forests across South and Southeast Asia, from the Indian subcontinent to Indonesia and the Philippines. The genus includes several related species that occupy a variety of habitats, and they are all arboreal and mostly solitary outside of breeding.

Physically, Nycticebus individuals are small to medium-sized with a round face, large eyes, and dense fur adapted to night. They lack a prominent tail and have strong grasping hands and feet for slow, deliberate movement through tree branches. A distinctive feature is their venomous bite: a brachial gland on the upper arm secretes a toxin that mixes with saliva to produce a bite capable of painful reactions in predators and some humans.

Behaviorally, slow lorises are nocturnal and predominantly solitary, except during mating or when a mother is caring for its young. They move slowly to conserve energy and avoid detection, utilizing vocalizations, scent marking, and body postures to communicate.

Diet varies by species and season and includes tree gums, nectar, fruit, insects, and small vertebrates. Reproduction tends to be gradual, with females giving birth to typically one infant after a multi-month gestation, and the young remaining with the mother for an extended period.

Conservation: Nycticebus species face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. They are protected by national laws and international agreements, and many species are listed as Vulnerable or Endangered by the IUCN.