
When disturbed by some stimulus or frightened,
slender lorises usually show slow, hesitating movements, often freezing
to motionlessness for a limited time (a). Hiding of the conspicuously
coloured face (b), hiding behind some cover (c) or flight
to a high place (d) are also common signs of environmental stress
due to some disturbance. When closely approached, the animal may try to
defend itself by growling (d), other threat behaviour or attacks.
e:
Hanging under the ceiling for a longer period after disturbance indicates
rather severe stress; the animal may even sleep in this position (f).
g:
longer freezing in unusual, asymmetric postures has been observed in animals
suffering from severe stress after transport to an unfamiliar environment;
in such cases, protection from noise and other disturbance is very necessary.
h:
Particularly in animals suffering from environmental stress, acoustic stimuli
or sudden changes of light intensity may cause epileptoform seizures with
saliva dripping from the mouth.

Reduced food consumption is another typical consequence of severe environmental
stress. The figure above shows the amount of food consumed in the first
days after transfer to a new environment by two animals. Quarantain conditions
were good in this case, with protection from optical and acoustical disturbance
and plenty of cover in the cages.
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Loris
and related species: health
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Last
amendment: 5 May 2000
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