The Kadavur hills in central Tamil Nadu’s Karur district are home to the Kadavur Reserve Forest. These forests are home to the shy and reclusive slender loris, a species of primate.

Slender Loris

• Slender loris (Loris tardigradus) is secretive and has nocturnal habits. It usually travels from the canopy of one tree to another. But, at times, it also comes down to bushes at the ground level to feed.
• It is also found in the adjoining forest areas on the eastern, southern and western slopes of the Kadavur hills.
• It sleeps by day in the foliage or in a hole or crevice. It comes out at dusk in search of prey.
• They are fond of lantana berries and also eat insects, lizards, small birds, tree frogs, tender leaves and buds.
• They are usually solitary but sometimes found in pairs.

Conservation

• The slender loris has been listed as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
• It has been brought under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in order to provide the highest level of legal protection.

Threats

• As it is believed that these animals have some medicinal properties, they are captured and sold.
• Since there is great demand for keeping these animals as pets, they are illegally smuggled.
• Habitat loss, electrocution of live wires, and road accidents are other threats that have caused its populations to dwindle.

UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now