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Lorises and Pottos: Lorisidae

Lorises, Pottos, And People

Large zoos may have special exhibits of lorisids and pottos. In their native homes, in some areas, they are trapped and kept as pets. Occasionally the larger species are used as food.

POTTOS DEFEAT AN ENEMY

If a potto senses a predator, or enemy, it holds onto a branch and stays very still. Because its arms and legs are so strong, it can stay in this non-moving position for several hours, until the predator gives up and goes away.

If it must fight, the potto first turns its thickened neck hump, or shield, toward the attacker, while keeping its hands and feet tightly clamped on a branch. It then makes a series of sideways movements. It tries to hit the enemy with its hump. If the potto is successful, the enemy falls to the ground below.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceMammalsLorises and Pottos: Lorisidae - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Lorises, Pottos, And People, Pygmy Slow Loris (nycticebus Pygmaeus): Species Accounts - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, CONSERVATION STATUS