Nycticebus+javanicus

//**Nycticebus javanicus **// The Javan Slow Loris

**Beauty, a gift or a curse? For the Javan slow loris, having such loveable appearance is by no doubt a deadly curse. With huge innocent eyes and a teddy-bear-like figure, this species of primate is popularly traded in illegal pet trades around the world. Due to possessive desires of selfish pet buyers, the Javan slow loris has been listed as one of the 25 most endangered primate in the world since 2008. Starting off with the short clip below, embark on a journey to learn about this cute creation of nature in detail and discover more on its unfortunate fate in our world today. **

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**Javan slow loris being sold in Barito Animal Market, Jakarta, Indonesia. Video by Kimberly Ng. **

=**Overview **=

Often being mistakenly categorized as squirrel-like animals, Javan slow lorises are actually primates that live an arboreal lifestyle. This species of slow loris belongs natively to the Java Island of Indonesia. However, due to its involvement in illegal pet trades, its presence is now widely spread throughout the world, including Singapore. Nycticebus javanicus can be distinguished from other slow loris species by its distinct facial marks. Like other slow lorises, this animal possesses a unique trait of delivering toxic bites when agitated. Besides that, they are also equipped with large eyes to help foraging in the dark as they are nocturnal animals that are active only when night arrives. Unfortunately, it is also these eyes that give them an adorable appearance, thus attracting a miserable fate to arise. People from around the world yearn to own this cute creature, causing the occurrence of extensive poaching to feed demands of exotic pet trade markets.

 

Consequently, the numbers of wild Javan slow lorises plunged drastically over the years, so do the population of other slow loris species. The worst has yet to come. Habitat loss and superstitious beliefs that regard this primate as a cure for various illnesses have also brought further impact to the population of this poor animal in the wild. Globally, law enforcement has been introduced to forbid all trading of the Javan slow loris. Conservation efforts have also been carried out to lessen the negative impacts on this endangered species. However, the public should play a role to help conserve the Javan slow loris. The first simplest step is to refrain yourself from purchasing a slow loris. When there is no demand, the supply of by poaching would just cease by itself. Owning a slow loris for your personal usage and well-being is a selfish act that would cause you to face legal sentences.

**Possession is certainly not a way to display affection. If you truly adore the Javan slow loris, then set it free. **

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= **Etymology ** =

**Nomenclature of //Nycticebus javanicus//.**

 Why the name //Nycticebus javanicus//? A quick grasp of its name would help to reveal more about this species.

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 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Genus name Nycticebus = **night monkey** in Ancient Greek. This means Javan slow lorises are a group of nocturnal primates.
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Species name javanicus = **Java**, an island belonging to Indonesia. This tells us that the Java Island is where it is natively found.

= **<span style="color: #067272; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%;">Taxonomy ** = <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
 * = [[image:Scientific Classification.jpg width="533" height="334"]] ||= <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Looking into the scientific classification of Javan slow lorises, they fall under the primate group. One of the most important distinguishing features of primates is the evolution of opposable thumbs. However, it should be noted that not all primates have opposable thumb, and not all animals with opposable thumb fall under the primate group. Slow lorises are among the primates that have opposable thumbs. This allows them to have the dexterity and ease for grasping items. Observe below on how a slow loris uses its opposable thumb to handle its food. ||

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"> **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">A slow loris using its opposable thumb to pick up food and place it into the mouth. Species unknown. Photographs edited from YouTube video. **

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> There are 5 species of slow lorises grouped under //Nycticebus//.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> //Nycticebus bengalensis// (Bengal slow loris) <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> //Nycticebus pygmaeus// (Pygmy slow loris) <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> //Nycticebus coucang// (Greater slow loris) <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> //Nycticebus menagensis// (Bornean slow loris) <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> //Nycticebus javanicus// (Javan slow loris)

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> All 5 species of slow lorises are victims of exotic pet trade throughout their range, causing their numbers in the wild to decline in an alarming rate. However, when combined with tremendous habitat loss, no other species has been harder hit than the Javan slow loris. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has listed Javan slow lorises the status of being endangered, whereas the other 4 species are considered vulnerable.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> //Nycticebus javanicus//, the Javan slow loris was first described scientifically by Geoffroy in 1812. Its taxonomic status has since been changed several times. The most recent revision promoted this group of animal to the species status again, based on an analysis of skull morphology and fur characteristics. Below shows the series of changes in taxonomic status of //Nycticebus javanicus// over the years.

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= **<span style="color: #067272; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%;">Identification ** =

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">How can the Javan slow loris be distinguished from the other 4 species just by examining their physical features? The most obvious difference is the presence of a white diamond pattern between the eyes of Javan slow loris, extending towards its forehead. The images below depict the overall differences in facial masks among the 5 species of slow loris.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Besides the distinctive white diamond pattern, there are several other physical characteristics of the Javan slow loris that can be used to differentiate it from the other 4 species. These differences are based on characteristics of its pelage, or fur.

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= **<span style="color: #067272; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%;">Distribution ** =

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">In addition to the physical differences mentioned, the Javan slow loris also has a distinct range of distribution where it can be found. As its name implies, this species of slow loris is endemic to the Java Island of Indonesia. This implies that wild Javan lorises are only present in that island, specifically Central and West Java. The fact that this species of slow loris is a Javan endemic animal threatens its existence. This is because with such a narrow range of existence, Javan lorises can easily be driven to extinction. Loss of habitat in the Java Island has caused this species to have a drastic decline in numbers. On the contrary with wild Javan slow lorises, those in captivity are not only confined in the island of Java. They can be found in Prague (Czech Republic), Jakarta (Indonesia) and Singapore. These captive Javan lorises are present in the zoos of the mentioned countries.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">**​** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">**Distribution of wild slow lorises. Figure edited from Moore, 2012. (In accordance with IUCN)**.

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=<span style="color: #067272; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%; text-align: left;">Presence in Singapore =

<span style="color: #159b9b; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Zoo Captivity
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Although the Javan slow loris is an endemic species that came from Java, it can now be found locally in Singapore. Currently, there is one male and one female Javan slow loris under the guardianship of Wildlife Reserve Singapore (WRS). However, they are not on exhibit for the public. One of the Javan slow loris was donated by the public, while the other was confiscated by AVA (Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore). Fortunately, these Javan slow lorises were not suffering from any injuries that are usually seen in slow lorises involved in the trading market.

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**<span style="color: #159b9b; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Illegal Captivity **
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Exotic pet trades are on the rise in Singapore, and those trades often involves the slow lorises. Due to close proximity to the Java Island of Indonesia, there is a high probability that local pet traders are importing Javan slow lorises into Singapore. Media release reports on illegal animal seizures by Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) shows that slow lorises are among the common animals confiscated. With the advent of internet, communication among people from different countries has become feasible. Geographical barriers are no longer a hurdle for illegal tradings. It has been recorded that there are cases of people in Singapore trading slow lorises trough the internet or online platforms.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> In the year of 2007 to 2008, a Singapore slow loris biologist, Mr. Fam Shun Deng (Msc in Primate Conservation) did a field, museum, and trade study of slow lorises in Singapore. He has depicted the involvement of Singapore in international illegal slow loris pet trades. It was found that from the year<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">2006 onwards, the trend of slow loris confiscation numbers follows the trend of international confiscation numbers of the slow lorises. This shows a high correlation between the international trading and the local trading in Singapore. This also suggests that Singapore might be a transit point between range states and client states of the trade market. With such involvement in the international trading market of slow lorises, it is no surprise that the Javan slow loris might be found at Singapore homes, in the hands of illegal pet owners.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Due to the substantial volume of human and cargo traffic entering and exiting Singapore daily, it is practically impossible for AVA and ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority of Singapore) to inspect every single container that is shipped in, or is in transit through this island. Thus, instead of solely relying upon authorities that have imitations in executing their powers, the public should also take responsibility to deter such illegal tradings. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Please do not get involved in the pet trading of Javan slow loris, and other slow lorises. Legal prosecutions will be sentenced if you are found keeping any slow lorises or other wild animals illegally.

**<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;"> Maximum penalties include a fine of $5,000 (or $10,000 for repeated offenses) and/or a jail term of up to 1 year ** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: right;"><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 80%;">Back to Top

**<span style="color: #159b9b; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">In the Wild **
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">It is found that the wild slow lorises seen in Singapore do not consist of the native species (Nycticebus coucang) only. Wild slow lorises present in Singapore live in a mixed native-exotic population, implying that there is a possibility that Javan slow lorises are present locally in the wild. How did the Java endemic Javan slow loris ended up in Singapore if it is not in captivity? This might be due to pet release by irresponsible pet owners.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> According to the findings by Mr. Fam, there is also a correlation between internationally confiscated slow loris numbers and locally sighted slow loris numbers. This indicates an influx of illegally traded slow lorises followed subsequently by the possible release of these lorises to the wild. In Singapore, release of pets to the nature reserves has become an escalating problem to native species. For various reasons, such as when taking care of a slow loris becomes a burdening task, irresponsible pet owners tend to release these poor animals to the wild. If you intend to release your Javan slow loris, or other slow lorises to the wild, please do not do so. Mixing native and exotic species of slow loris will cause harm to both parties and complicate conservation efforts. Hand them in to the authorities instead. Similarly, if there are sightings of wild Javan slow loris or other slow lorises in the Singapore, please try to capture a photograph of the animal and report it to the authorities in charge..


 * **<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">The ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) Wildlife Crime Hotline at 97837782 **
 * **<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">The AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority) at 62770670 **
 * **<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Mr. Fam Shun Deng (MSc in Primate Conservation) at 92215549 **

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=<span style="color: #067272; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%; text-align: left;">Biology =

<span style="color: #159b9b; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Venomous Bite
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Despite being morphologically different from the other species, Javan slow lorises have the same unique ability as other slow lorises in delivering a venomous bite. Slow lorises have a brachial gland located near their elbows. This gland secretes a strong smelling liquid that is toxic. When threatened, secretion of this liquid occurs. The slow lorises will then lick this liquid to mix it with their saliva, thus activating the toxins from the brachial gland. Following that, they tend to defend themselves by biting into what threatens them, for example a predator. Sharp incisors of the slow loris can easily puncture an animal’s skin, thus delivering the toxin to the bloodstream of its predator. This toxin is termed venomous because it enters the victim's body through injection into bloodstreams, unlike poisonous substances that enter through ingestion or inhalation.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px;">Position of brachial gland (left) and sharp incisors (right) of slow lorises. by Helga Schulze from Loris and Potto Conservation Database. **

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Being bitten by these adorable and seemingly harmless creatures is no laughing matter. Slow lorises tend to bite and hold on. This is because the longer they bite, the more toxin will be delivered into the victim's bloodstream. Victims of the venomous bite can develop anaphylactic shock symptoms like itch of skin, convulsion of muscles or even respiratory problems. In addition to that, wounds from these bites heal in a considerably slow manner. This is because the mouths of slow lorises contain a myriad of bacteria that would dampen the healing process of the wound. It is found that this toxic substance produced by brachial organ proteins are similar to the cat allergen Fel d 1. This explains the occurrence of anaphylactic shock symptoms in victims of the venomous bite.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px;"> Bite injuries from slow loris venomous bite. by Helena Fitch-Snyder from Loris and Potto Conservation Database. (Permission Pending) **

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Slow lorises are the only venomous primate in the world. Blessed with this powerful weapon of defense, slow loris mothers would often lick and spread the salivary toxin onto their young ones. This acts as an additional barrier of protection to young slow lorises, just in case their mothers are caught off-guard by predators. Besides guarding itself from predators, it is also suggested that the lorises make use of their venomous bites against parasites, prey or even other lorises.

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<span style="color: #159b9b; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Behavior and Diet
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Like other slow lorises, the Javan slow loris moves in a rather cautious motion. Often, they are not found leaping and swinging across tree branches like how we thought a primate would do. Instead, they travel by deliberate and precise movements that resemble crawling.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> media type="custom" key="21513942" <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px;">A slow loris moving up tree branches with deliberate movements. Species unknown. ** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> The slow pace of life practiced by the slow lorises is mainly due to their low metabolic rate. It is thus believed that the illegal poachers take advantage of this slow movement to capture the slow lorises almost effortlessly. However, contrary to this belief, slow lorises can sometimes be capable to move rapidly when threatened. If so, how do the poachers catch the slow lorises when there is a high chance of losing track on them? The way poachers capture the slow lorises is by co-operating with the loggers. Being nocturnal, slow lorises are asleep in the day when the loggers carry out their logging activities. The loggers will intentionally collapse trees with slow lorises on them. When the slow lorises are stunned, they tend to stay still and thus undergo a crypsis stage. The poachers then come into act and shuffle through the foliage to simply pick up the stunned lorises.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> The reason slow lorises have a low metabolic rate is because of their dietary habits. Similar to other slow lorises, Javan slow lorises are omnivores that consume various kinds of food. Nectar, plant gums and fruits are the common diet of slow lorises. These plant components contain hard-to-digest secondary substances, thus the need of devoting more energy to digest these foods. Consequently, less amount of energy is channeled to maintain the hence low metabolism. It is also found that slow lorises eat poisonous insects like ants and millipedes to obtain the chemical constitutions needed for supplying their venomous toxin. The ingestion of these toxic animals requires more energy as well because they contain digestion-inhibiting compounds.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Being a nocturnal animal, this species of primate carries out active foraging only at night. To be able to forage effectively in the dark, their eyes are large and comprise of a reflective layer, called the tapetum lucidum that improves low-light vision. Sadly, this huge-eye-adaptation that confers them night vision advantage is the main cause of them being perceived as cute pets that are popularly wanted across regions.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Another observed behavior of the Javan slow loris, and other slow lorises, is the emission of different sounds. Krik sounds and a louder call resembling a crow's caw are sent out when engaged in sociable activities. Besides that, slow lorises can also produce a low buzzing hiss or growl when disturbed. Other vocalizations include a single high-pitched rising tone when making contact with other individuals and a high whistle emitted by females during mate signalling.
 * = [[image:Andrew - Javan Foraging.jpg]] ||= [[image:Anna - Defensive posture.jpg width="533" height="638"]] ||
 * = **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px;">Javan slow loris actively foraging when the night arrives. Photograph courtesy of Andrew Walmsley. ** ||= **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px;">Huge, round eyes of the Javan slow loris add advantage to vision in the dark. Photograph courtesy of Anna Nekaris. ** ||

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> media type="custom" key="21470798" <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px;"> Krik sounds emitted by a slow loris that is believed to be kept illegally as house pet. Species unknown. **

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= **<span style="color: #067272; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%;">Threats ** =

<span style="color: #159b9b; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Illegal Pet Trade
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Despite the risk of being bitten by the venomous bite of Javan slow lorises, the poaching activities on these animals are still on the rise. Wild Javan slow lorises are caught illegally to supply the infamous exotic pet market in Indonesia. The public perceives these slow lorises as adorable pets that can be domesticated to keep them company. Little did they know, their selfish act of owning the Javan slow lorises has caused this animal to face extinction risks. To make situations worse, the pet market in Indonesia does not seem to be the only platform for Javan slow lorises pet trade. These animals are also widely trafficked across the world by other convenient methods like online trading.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">The highest levels of illegal slow loris international trade are recorded from Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. This is followed by Singapore and Malaysia. Singapore is the only significant re-exporter of this trade, with Japan as its main trading partner. The main importers are from Japan, United States and Europe. Indonesia and China are more involved in illegal domestic trades.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> The numbers of Javan slow loris in animal markets far exceed the ability for population numbers to recover in the wild. Besides the extensive pet trade on-going in Indonesia, the slow reproduction rate of these animals also add on to the slow recovery in the wild. This poses an extinction threat to this species of slow loris. The dark side of this illegal pet trade has not ended yet. Not only do they lost their freedom in the wild, Javan slow lorises also lose their lives in the process of these illegal trades. In order to domesticate the wild Javan lorises, merciless traders would forcefully remove the teeth of these animals using sharp objects like nail clippers. This cruel act causes the poor animals to suffer from stress and infection that would most probably lead to a painful death. Not only the Javan species, other slow lorises also die from dental abscesses, pneumonia or malnutrition as a result of their forceful teeth removal in illegal pet markets. Even if they were to be relocated into rehabilitation centres, the chances of them surviving in the wild are rather slim. This is because they could no longer eat their preferred diet or carry out social behaviors after their teeth is removed.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Besides pulling off their teeth, traders in Indonesian markets also treat slow lorises with other awful acts. As mentioned, slow lorises tend to hold on their bites once they plunged their incisors to deliver the salivary toxin. Due to this reason, the traders are sometimes prepared with big vats of water and if they are bitten, they will dunk the slow lorises into the water to get it release is bite. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Javan slow lorises are animals with emotions and feelings too. Being nocturnal animals, displaying them in the pet markets during bright day light is an extreme torture to them. The fact that they are treated unsympathetically like money-making items is indeed heart breaking. Cute as they may seem, Javan slow lorises and other slow lorises are in fact treated with no mercy and respect. Take a short trip to Jakarta’s animal market to discover the heart-rending lives of pet trade slow lorises by watching the video below. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"> * Please watch full video at Tickling slow loris - the truth to experience the suffering of other wildlife in this inhumane pet market of Jakarta.
 * = [[image:Paper - trading in cruel.jpg width="346" height="329"]] ||= [[image:International - Tooth removal.jpg width="354" height="331"]] ||= [[image:Internation - distress after tooth removal.jpg width="327" height="337"]] ||
 * = **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 12px;">A slow loris being harshly handled during the trading process. Photograph courtesy of International Animal Rescue. ** || **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 12px;">A slow loris having its teeth forcefully and painfully removed using a nail clipper. Photograph courtesy ofInternational Animal Rescue. ** ||= **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 12px;">A slow loris in an extreme distress state during the trading process. Photograph courtesy of International Animal Rescue. ** ||
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 * = **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 90%;">Tragic scenes captured in Jakarta's animal market. Numerous slow lorises caged to await for trading despite being protected by the Indonesian law. Video by Anna Nekaris. ** ||

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<span style="color: #159b9b; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Habitat Loss
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> There is extensive human land-use in Java. This causes the current forest cover to be unable to sufficiently support the expanse of Javan slow loris habitat. Data on geographical ranges found that the high human land-use densities and human disturbance in Java are rather risky to maintain viable populations of the Javan slow loris. Studies have also reveal the vulnerability of Javan slow lorises to anthropogenic activity to be significantly more than other slow loris species. This shows that they have lower tolerance towards human disturbance. Loss of habitat hinders the Javan slow lorises to forage and carry out daily activities, which would gradually drive this species to extinction.

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<span style="color: #159b9b; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Sold as Medicinal Cure
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Traditional beliefs have largely exploited almost the entire body of slow lorises for medicinal cure. These practices have created another huge illegal trade market for the slow lorises, which further promotes the poaching on these animals. These beliefs that carry no scientific evidences add to the reduction of slow loris numbers, threatening their existence in the wild. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) has revealed the usage of slow lorises in these customary practices.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> • Fur: in Traditional Asian Medicine, believed to support wound healing, worn as amulet by local Indonesians locally to ward off danger. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> • Eye-balls: as love potion <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> • Flesh: to cure epilepsy <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> • Meat: to cure stomach ailments or asthma <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> • Whole body in alcohol: used as “energy drink”

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 * = [[image:paper - dissected.jpg width="351" height="289"]] ||= [[image:Paper - many dried.jpg width="299" height="297"]] ||= [[image:Paper - smoked.jpg width="312" height="292"]] ||
 * = **<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center;"> Slow loris dissected. Its organs are used for traditional medicine. Photograph courtesy of International Animal Rescue. ** ||= **<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center;"> Numerous dried slow loris being sold for remedial purposes. Photograph courtesy of International Animal Rescue. ** ||= **<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; text-align: center;"> Slow lorises are also smoked to be offered in markets. Photograph courtesy of Anna Nekaris. ** ||

= **<span style="color: #067272; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%;">Conservation ** =

<span style="color: #159b9b; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Status and Ongoing Efforts
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Conservation statuses allow the parties involved to recognize the severeness of a species towards extinction. They help in planning for conservation measures to alleviate the threats faced by a species. Below are the conservation statuses of Javan and other species of slow loris. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> There are ongoing efforts and projects to help in the conservation of slow lorises. Among them are:
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">IUCN Red List || <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">endangered ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">CITES || <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">elevated from Appendix II to Appendix I, offering it increased protection from commercial trade, higher fines and stronger international efforts ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">IUCN Species Survival Commission Primate Specialist Group (IUCN/SSC PSG), the International Primatological Society (IPS), and Conservation International (CI) || <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates (since year 2008) ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Indonesian law || <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">illegal to own and trade slow lorises. Unfortunately, effective law enforcement with respect to wildlife protection laws is all but non-existent in Indonesia ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Singaporean law || <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">illegal to own and trade slow lorises. Maximum penalties include a fine of $5,000 (or $10,000 for repeated offenses) and/or a jail term of up to 1 year ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">International law || <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">illegal to own and trade slow lorises, due to CITE Appendix I status which is an international agreement between governments ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">International Animal Rescue || <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">- established a facility specializing in the care of slow lorises in Ciapus, West Java

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - currently caring for nearly 100 slow lorises that have been surrendered by their owners or confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - animals undergo treatment, rehabilitation and socialization in preparation for release back into the wild

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - However, many of the lorises have had their teeth cut out and therefore may no longer be able to fend for themselves.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - Working with veterinary dental specialists to determine whether their teeth can be repaired or replaced. ||
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">Little Fireface Project

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">* Certain areas in Singapore might not be able to gain access to this website. Please try again to access in other areas of Singapore if access is prohibited in your current area. || <span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">- Aims to save these primates from extinction through learning more about their ecology

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - Aims to use this information to educate local people and law enforcement officers,leading to empathy and empowerment whereby people in countries where lorises exist will want to save them for themselves.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - This is done through education, media, workshops and classroom programmes.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - Education does not stop in range countries, but also reaches out to potential western purchasers of loris pets. ||

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<span style="color: #159b9b; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;">Play Your Part
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - Do not keep slow lorises as your pet <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - If you really want a pet, get a dog or other domestic animals instead, by legal means <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - Do not get involved in any trading or trafficking of slow lorises <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> - Report to the authorities if found any illegal activities concerning the slow lorises
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Simple ways to help the Javan and other species of slow loris: **
 * **<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) Wildlife Crime Hotline at 97837782 **
 * **<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">The AVA (Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority) at 62770670. **

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">- Spread the message across social platforms to help in conservation efforts <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> - If by chance, you stumble upon slow lorises in urban settings or find them abandoned in boxes, try calming it down by handing over a sturdy stick for it to hold onto. These animals are arboreal, thus they have a natural instinct of grasping onto something. A sturdy stick would aid in comforting them. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> - If you happen to spot a slow loris and intend to take a picture of it to report to the authorities, please do not shine bright lights or flash your camera lights towards the direction of the slow loris. The structure of their eyes are suited for night vision and hence they would be uncomfortable when exposed to brightness. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">**<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px;">A slow loris grasping on a fork that serves as a comfort branch. It also shows a display of light aversion by its massive blinking. **

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<span style="color: #159b9b; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%; text-align: left;"> Poll - Contribute Your Votes!
<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">To possess or to conserve? Reflect your thoughts simply by casting a vote below. <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> media type="custom" key="21456022"


 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> If you have any additional information or useful thoughts that you would like to share, please feel free to comment on this page (click on "discussion posts" at top right corner) or drop an email to suktengchin@gmail.com **

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=<span style="color: #067272; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%; text-align: left;">Phylogeny = <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> The phylogenetic relationship between //Nycticebus javanicus// and the other species is depicted differently when different regions of the mitochondrial DNA is used for analyses. Further sequence data are to be explored for more solid resolve of their relationship.

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> Nevertheless, this obtained result aids to identify each of the 5 species for conservation purposes as physical differences can be rather hard to tell apart at times. Slow lorises that are confiscated are protected and there is a need to distinguish among species to ease rehabilitation efforts. In most cases, the country of origin remains unknown and even the species can be difficult to identify from the animal’s physical appearance alone. DNA analysis can then be used to resolve this problem.

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= **<span style="color: #067272; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%;">Scientific Description ** =
 * [[image:scientific description.jpg width="560" height="587"]] || **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px;">Type Information: **

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> //Nycticebus javanicus// was first described by Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire in 1812. The holotype of this species is kept in the Annales du Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle of Paris, France. A holotype is the representative specimen selected by the original describer to describe a species or subspecies. Holotypes and their original descriptions are important documentations used to resolve disputes on the classification of the species. They are also useful to confirm the identity of an uncertain specimen and its taxonomic issues.

<span style="display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">**Type locality:** Java, Indonesia || <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> **Scientific description of Nycticebus javanicus. by Geoffroy, 1812**.

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<span style="color: #067272; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 170%; text-align: left;">**References**