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Predator Defense by Slender Lorises and Pottos

  • K. Anne-Isola Nekaris
  • Elizabeth R. Pimley
  • Kelly M. Ablard
Chapter
Part of the Developments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects book series (DIPR)

Abstract

Crypsis is argued to be the most widely used anti-predator strategy amongst nocturnal primates, wrought in its extreme form amongst the Asian lorises (Lorisinae: Loris and Nycticebus) and African pottos (Perodicticinae: Arctocebus and Perodicticus) (van Schaik & van Hoof, 1983; Terborgh & Janson, 1986; Cheney & Wrangham, 1987; Stanford, 2002; Wiens, 2002). Lorises and pottos are classically characterized by relatively slow, non-saltatory locomotion (Walker, 1969; Sellers, 1996). Silent movement, combined with cryptic coloration, small group size, discrete use of vocalizations, and increased olfactory communication are said to camouflage these primates (Petter & Hladik, 1970; Charles-Dominique, 1977). Much support for these notions has been offered by past studies of lorises and pottos.

Keywords

Potential Predator Alarm Pheromone Scent Mark Poison Frog Scent Gland 
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© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007

Authors and Affiliations

  • K. Anne-Isola Nekaris
    • 1
  • Elizabeth R. Pimley
    • 2
  • Kelly M. Ablard
    • 1
  1. 1.Nocturnal Primate Research Group School of Social Science and Law Department of AnthropologyOxford Brookes UniversityOxfordEngland UK
  2. 2.Nocturnal Primate Research GroupUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeEngland UK

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