Pottos

The potto, Perodicticus potto, is a small nocturnal primate in the family Lorisidae native to tropical Africa. It is known for its slow, deliberate movements and strong ability to grasp branches. Pottos inhabit forested habitats and forest edges across West and Central Africa, with a range that extends from parts of West Africa into the Congo Basin.

Adults are typically 25–40 cm in length, including a short tail, and weigh about 0.5–1.5 kg. They have thick, woolly fur that can be brown, gray, or reddish, a round face with large forward-facing eyes, and a relatively long snout. As with other lorises, they possess a toothcomb and have highly developed grasping claws. Their limbs are adapted for slow, deliberate movement through the trees.

Pottos are nocturnal and arboreal, spending most of their time high in the canopy. They move slowly to avoid predators and rely on a strong grip and flexible ankles to maneuver among branches. They are primarily solitary, though females may share territory with their young. Their diet is omnivorous, including tree gum and sap, fruit, nectar, and insects; they may also consume small vertebrates on occasion.

Reproduction yields a single infant after a gestation of about six months. The young are carried by the mother for several weeks and remain dependent for a few months before becoming independent.

Conservation status, according to the IUCN Red List, is Least Concern due to broad distribution and tolerance of some habitat alteration. Nevertheless, deforestation and forest fragmentation threaten local populations, and the species occurs in several protected areas.