As a slow and only thirteen inch primate, slow lorises are very vulnerable to many predators in the rain forests of South Eastern Asia. This primate uses its highly unusual defense mechanism to protect itself and its young. Slow loris’ defense is a unique characteristic for a primate to encompass. However, without their strong method of defense, slow lorises would have no means of protection in the rain forest against larger animals (Nekaris et al., 2013).
When threatened, slow lorises raise their arms above their head, and assume a defense posture (Nikaris et al., 2013). Slow lorises will often release a vile smell to seem less appetizing (Flinn, 2004). If the smell does not defer a predator, the slow loris can create a toxic bite by combing the brachial gland toxins with saliva, which should secure its survival (Flinn, 2004). If both tactics fail as a method of defense and the predator proceeds to attack, the slow loris buries its head in its hands with elbow patches and thick skin facing outward to shield itself (Flinn, 2004). Slow lorises use their toxic elbows as both a weapon and armor of protection to ensure their safety from predators.
(Nekaris et al., 2013)
This slow loris shows that the defense posture positions the brachial glands in close reach of the loris’s mouth in case it needs to bite
Click here for a video about Slow Loris’s defense
References:
Flinn, M. (2004). Slow Loris. Monkeys, Apes and Humans. 1, 1-2
Nekaris, A., Moore, R., Rode, J., & Fry, B. (2013). Mad, bad and dangerous to know: the biochemistry, ecology and evolution of slow loris venom. Journal of Venous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases, 19(21), 5.
Slow Loris Defense 