In Karur, a conservation dilemma regarding the slender loris

Source: Down to Earth

What is the news?

The district forest officer (DFO) of Karur district has recently submitted a proposal for implementing a species recovery programme to protect and improve the population of the endangered slender loris.

Threats to the species

Since there is great demand for keeping these animal as pets, they are illegally smuggled. Habitat loss, electrocution of live wires and road accidents are other threats that have caused its populations to destabilise.

About Slender loris:

• Slender loris (Loris tardigradus) is secretive and has nocturnal habits. It usually travels from the canopy of one tree to another.
• Commonly found in the tropical scrub and deciduous forests as well as the dense hedgerow plantations bordering farmlands of Southern India and Sri Lanka.
• It has been listed as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature
• It is under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, to provide the highest level of legal protection
• They are usually solitary, but sometimes found in pairs
• It is believed that these animals have some medicinal properties, they are captured and sold.
• Habitat loss, electrocution of live wires and road accidents are other threats that have caused its populations to dwindle