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K A I Nekaris - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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nutrient based diet modifications impact on the gut microbiome of the javan Slow Loris nycticebus javanicus
Scientific Reports, 2019Co-Authors: Wirdateti Wirdateti, K A I Nekaris, Francis Cabana, Jonathan B Clayton, Dan Knights, Henning SeedorfAbstract:Environment and diet are key factors which shape the microbiome of organisms. There is also a disparity between captive and wild animals of the same species, presumably because of the change in diet. Being able to reverse the microbiome to the wild type is thus particularly important for the reintroduction efforts of Critically Endangered animals. The Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus) is a suitable model, being kept in the thousands within rescue centres throughout Southeast Asia. With next-generation sequencing, we show how a naturalistic diet impacts the gut microbiome of captive Slow Lorises (Primates: Nycticebus). A comparison of the microbiome of wild animals with captive animals that had been fed a standard captive or improved diet reveals strong microbiome differences between wild and captive animals; however, diet changes failed to alter the microbiome of captive populations significantly. Bifidobacterium was the most abundant genus in wild animals (46.7%) while Bacteroides (11.6%) and Prevotella (18.9%) were the most abundant in captive animals fed the captive and improved diets, respectively. Correlation analyses of nutrients with microbial taxa suggest important implications in using nutrition to suppress potential pathogens, with soluble fibre and water-soluble carbohydrates both being associated with opposing microbiome profiles. The improved diet significantly increased microbe diversity, which exemplifies the importance of high fibre diets; however, wild individuals had lower diversity, which contradicts recent studies. Detection of methanogens appeared to be dependent on diet and whether the animals were living in captivity or in the wild. This study highlights the potential of nutrition in modulating the microbiome of animals prior to release. Unexpectedly, the results were not as significant as has been suggested in recent studies.
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Hiding in the dark: Local ecological knowledge about Slow Loris in Sarawak sheds light on relationships between human populations and wild animals
Human Ecology, 2017Co-Authors: Priscillia Miard, K A I Nekaris, Hatta RamleeAbstract:Local ecological knowledge (LEK) increases understanding of certain species and the threats they face, especially little-studied taxa for which data on distribution and conservation are often lacking. We conducted 111 semi-structured interviews in Sarawak, Malaysia, to collect local knowledge about the behavior and distribution of the Philippine Slow Loris ( Nycticebus menagensis ) from two ethnic groups, the Iban and the Penan. Our study revealed that male Penan respondents, generally hunters, who frequently go into the forest were better at identifying animals from pictures. Overall, the Penan have a more detailed knowledge of Slow Loris behaviors, habitat, and distribution than the Iban. The two ethnic groups have different attitudes towards Slow Loris as the Penan hunt, eat, or keep them as pets while the Iban consider them sacred and signifiers of good luck. We advocate the use of LEK for providing complementary information to scientific methods in the study of cryptic animals.
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the seasonal feeding ecology of the javan Slow Loris nycticebus javanicus
American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 2017Co-Authors: Francis Cabana, Wirdateti Wirdateti, E S Dierenfeld, Giuseppe Donati, K A I NekarisAbstract:Objectives To describe the strategy employed by exudativorous primates during seasonal shifts in food abundance using the Javan Slow Loris as a model. Males and females may cope differently as well as exploit fallback foods in different proportions. Materials and methods Observing 15 free ranging Javan Slow Lorises over a year, we quantified their seasonal diet and nutrient intake using intake rates. For gum intake rates, we conducted a trial with 10 captive Javan Slow Lorises measuring the length of time it took for them to ingest 10 g of gum. We monitored phenology in our field site over five plots that were assessed monthly. We weighed our free-ranging animals every six months. We analyzed all food items Slow Lorises ingested for macronutrients using the nutritional geometry framework. Results The Slow Loris diet consisted of eight food categories, with gum and insects being the major food sources in terms of wet weight intake. The captive gum trials resulted in an intake rate of 0.021 g/s. All food items eaten by wild Javan Slow Lorises were available in the wet season and were restricted in the dry season. Males and females reacted differently to seasonal abundances with females ingesting more protein, gum, fruits and flowers and males ingesting more fiber. Conclusions The strategy used by the Javan Slow Lorises during periods of lower food availability were similar to folivorous primates and included increased dependence on lower quality foods. The reproductive costs of gestation and lactation may place a burden on females that requires them to alter their foraging strategy during the dry season to ensure enough protein and overall energy is ingested. The overall strategy used by these exudativorous primates is one of nutrient maximization as no nutrient was clearly preferred over another.
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diets high in fruits and low in gum exudates promote the occurrence and development of dental disease in pygmy Slow Loris nycticebus pygmaeus
Zoo Biology, 2015Co-Authors: Francis Cabana, K A I NekarisAbstract:Asian Slow Lorises are found in zoos and rescue centres worldwide with Nycticebus pygmaeus, the pygmy Slow Loris, boasting the largest population in captivity. Diet are reportedly high in fruit and concentrates and low in insects and exudates. Wild feeding studies place insects, nectar, and gums as the most important diet components. Captive populations also show high incidences of health afflictions, many of which may be caused by nutrition. Our study, aims at identifying a causative agent within the diets of N. pygmaeus in regards to diseases prominent within captive populations. We sent out 55 diet and health questionnaires to institutions worldwide. Returned diets were nutritionally analyzed. Nutrient values and proportions of each ingredient were used in a principle components analysis. Resulting factors were used as variables in a binary logistic regression (BLR), with dental disease as the dependent variable. 39 questionnaires were returned with a total of 47 diets. 20 (51.7%) institutions reported the presence of diseases with dental issues being prominent. Factors that were significant in the principle components analysis included gum, nectar, protein, acid detergent fibre, calcium, ash, phosphorus, potassium, Ca:P, magnesium, vitamin D, and energy. Gum was the only significant predictor in the BLR. Lastly, a chi square test for association was performed with the presence of dental disease as the dependent variable and the amount of fruit in the diet. The combination of high fruits and little to no gum promotes the occurrence of dental diseases. Current captive diets do not reflect the evolutionary adaptations of Nycticebus primates. Zoo Biol. 34:547–553, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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gastrointestinal parasites and ectoparasites in wild javan Slow Loris nycticebus javanicus and implications for captivity and animal rescue
Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 2015Co-Authors: Johanna E Rodemargono, Wirdateti Wirdateti, M Albers, A Abinawanto, K A I NekarisAbstract:Javan Slow Lorises (Primates: Nycticebus javanicus ) are heavily threatened by anthropogenic disturbance and the illegal animal trade, both of which may impact parasite loads. They are also venomous, which may have evolved to help reduce parasite burdens. We present analyses of faecal samples for evidence of gastrointestinal parasites and data based on ectoparasite inspections from wild Javan Slow Loris collected over a 13-month period. We sampled 21 N. javanicus for parasites at Cipaganti, Garut District, West Java, Indonesia. We found most individuals were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. We report hookworm ( Necator spp.) – eggs and adults; pinworms ( Lemuricola spp.) – eggs and adults; and Trichostrongylus – eggs and adults. We found evidence for only one ectoparasite infection in 61 captures, this being a rash on one adult male. Although we could not identify the parasite, it had close resemblance to a skin mite species. Prevalence and intensity of infections with Lemuricola spp. were not related to weather periods or sex, but showed a tendency of fewer infections in immature Slow Lorises. The role of Slow Loris venom in the defence of ecto- and endoparasites is discussed. We emphasise the importance of natural diet to ensure an appropriate immune reaction including venom sequestering in rescue centres. Lemuricola spp. have not been documented for any other Slow Loris species which emphasises the danger of not recognising taxonomic differences and geographical distribution in reintroduction planning.
Anneisola K Nekaris - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the toxicological intersection between allergen and toxin a structural comparison of the cat dander allergenic protein fel d1 and the Slow Loris brachial gland secretion protein
Toxins, 2020Co-Authors: Holger Scheib, Anneisola K Nekaris, Wirdateti Wirdateti, Johanna Rodemargono, Lotten Ragnarsson, Kate Baumann, James Dobson, Amanda Nouwens, Vincent Nijman, Paolo MartelliAbstract:Slow Lorises are enigmatic animal that represent the only venomous primate lineage. Their defensive secretions have received little attention. In this study we determined the full length sequence of the protein secreted by their unique brachial glands. The full length sequences displayed homology to the main allergenic protein present in cat dander. We thus compared the molecular features of the Slow Loris brachial gland protein and the cat dander allergen protein, showing remarkable similarities between them. Thus we postulate that allergenic proteins play a role in the Slow Loris defensive arsenal. These results shed light on these neglected, novel animals.
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feeding position preferences of javan Slow Loris nycticebus javanicus e geoffroy 1812 at talun cipaganti village garut west java
AIP Conference Proceedings, 2018Co-Authors: Endah Septi Fauzi, Anneisola K Nekaris, Luthfiralda Sjahfirdi, Marie Sigaud, Nurul Winarni, Jatna SupriatnaAbstract:Nowadays, many habitats of Javan Slow Loris was fragmented. It also affects the amount of feed trees which will also affect the feeding behavior of Javan Slow Loris. This study was conducted to know is the Javan Slow Loris has preferences of feeding position and food kinds as one of foraging strategy on Prosimian. Research about feeding tree preferences of Javan Slow Loris has been conducted at Talun Cipaganti Village, Garut, West Java. This research was conducted on Mar 2017 to Apr 2017 during 17.00 to 23.00 also between 23.00 to 05.00. Data were collected by focal animal instantaneous sampling and ad libitum method. This research recorded 453 points feeding incident from 452 h total time of observation or about 11 % from all night behavior observation. The result of this research is shows the feeding position preferences from the highest to the lowest which Lorises like are at terminal (TE), canopy top (CT), under canopy (UC), canopy (C), and canopy bottom (CB) with average value 133.5, 34, 33, 33, dan 28.5. Javan Slow Loris tends to have different feeding positions as one form of foraging strategy owned by Prosimian. This is influenced by the internal factors of Lorises such as gender and nutrition needs, also influenced by external factors such as feeding item nutrition, tree architecture, and seasons. on the trees and tree architecture. In addition, feeding tree with the highest frequency is red calliandra (Calliandra callothrysus). These results are closely related to the type of feed tree which Lorises used. Lorises choose the red calliandra because this feed tree has abundance exist all year to maximize reproductive capacity.Nowadays, many habitats of Javan Slow Loris was fragmented. It also affects the amount of feed trees which will also affect the feeding behavior of Javan Slow Loris. This study was conducted to know is the Javan Slow Loris has preferences of feeding position and food kinds as one of foraging strategy on Prosimian. Research about feeding tree preferences of Javan Slow Loris has been conducted at Talun Cipaganti Village, Garut, West Java. This research was conducted on Mar 2017 to Apr 2017 during 17.00 to 23.00 also between 23.00 to 05.00. Data were collected by focal animal instantaneous sampling and ad libitum method. This research recorded 453 points feeding incident from 452 h total time of observation or about 11 % from all night behavior observation. The result of this research is shows the feeding position preferences from the highest to the lowest which Lorises like are at terminal (TE), canopy top (CT), under canopy (UC), canopy (C), and canopy bottom (CB) with average value 133.5, 34, 33, 33, dan ...
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anaphylactic shock following the bite of a wild kayan Slow Loris nycticebus kayan implications for Slow Loris conservation
Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: George Madani, Anneisola K NekarisAbstract:Asian Slow Lorises (Nycticebus spp.) are one of few known venomous mammals, yet until now only one published case report has documented the impact of their venomous bite on humans. We describe the reaction of a patient to the bite of a subadult Nycticebus kayan, which occurred in the Mulu District of Sarawak in 2012. Within minutes of the bite, the patient experienced paraesthesia in the right side of the jaw, ear and right foot. By 40 minutes, swelling of the face was pronounced. The patient was admitted to Mulu National Park Health Clinic/Klinik Kesihatan Taman Mulu Tarikh, at which time he was experiencing: swollen mouth, chest pain, mild abdominal pain, nausea, numbness of the lips and mouth, shortness of breath, weakness, agitation and the sensation of pressure in the ears due to swelling. The blood pressure was 110/76, the heart ratio was 116 and oxygen saturation was 96%. The patient was treated intramuscularly with adrenaline (0.5 mL), followed by intravenous injection of hydrocortisone (400 mg) and then intravenous fluid therapy of normal saline (500 mg). By 8 h10 the next day, the patient’s condition had significantly improved with no nausea, and with blood pressure and pulse rate stable. A handful of anecdotes further support the real danger that Slow Loris bites pose to humans. As the illegal pet trade is a major factor in the decline of these threatened species, we hope that by reporting on the danger of handling these animals it may help to reduce their desirability as a pet.
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densities distribution and detectability of a small nocturnal primate javan Slow Loris nycticebus javanicus in a montane rainforest
Endangered Species Research, 2014Co-Authors: Anneisola K Nekaris, Jarot Arisona, Aji Pambudi, Dwi Susanto, Ridwan Djaffar Ahmad, Vincent NijmanAbstract:Nocturnal mammals can be challenging to survey and, especially for many species that live in dense forest habitats, limited information is available on densities and distributions. We surveyed the endemic Javan Slow Loris Nycticebus javanicus in the montane forests of Mount Gede Pangrango, West Java, Indonesia. Surveys were conducted on 23 transects (260 h covering some 93 km) walking at variable speeds between 200 and 800 m h �1 . Densities on individual tran- sects varied from 0 to 52 ind. km �2 , with an overall density of 15.6 ind. km �2 (95% CI 9.7 to 25.2 ind. km �2 ). Encounter rates per kilometre were strongly influenced by the speed at which transects were walked, with fewer Lorises detected at higher speeds. This effect was absent when consider- ing encounter rates per hour. Detectability and behavior of Javan Slow Lorises were not affected by the amount of lunar light and, in contrast to studies of some of their congeners, we found no evi- dence of lunar phobia or lunar philia. Our study shows that Slow Lorises are not homogeneously distributed in their montane habitat and occur at intermediate densities. However, encounter rates did not differ between disturbed and primary forest. Analysis of data from multiple surveys of lor- isforms, including this one, reveals no statistically significant relationship between survey effort or the speed at which transects are walked and estimated densities, but speed is positively correlated with encounter rates.
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modelling the habitat use and distribution of the threatened javan Slow Loris nycticebus javanicus
Endangered Species Research, 2014Co-Authors: Alke Voskamp, Johanna E Rode, Camille Coudrat, Robert J Wilson, Anneisola K NekarisAbstract:The Javan Slow Loris Nycticebus javanicus is threatened by habitat decline and is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Information on its distribution and habi- tat preferences is still lacking, and so far the distribution of the Javan Slow Loris has only been quantified via ecological niche modelling based on museum specimens and remotely derived environmental layers. We aimed to refine the modelled predictions and to verify the distribution of the Javan Slow Loris by collecting up-to-date occurrence data, which are fundamental for con- servation and management of the species. Furthermore, we identify variables that predict its pres- ence and give recommendations for future survey sites and conservation actions. From April to June 2012 we collected data on species presence, habitat preferences and levels of disturbance at priority sites throughout Java. We present a map of the predicted distribution of N. javanicus based on a maximum entropy model. We investigated habitat preferences using R (v. 2.14.1). Dur- ing the study we sighted 52 Lorises in 9 out of 14 investigated areas. The amount of bamboo in a forest had a positive effect on the encounter rates. Furthermore, we made 86% of sightings in for- est plantations and agricultural areas located outside protected areas, with the majority located in areas with measured high levels of disturbance. We suggest that further ecological studies are needed to understand if and why densities may be higher in anthropogenically disturbed areas.
Francis Cabana - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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nutrient based diet modifications impact on the gut microbiome of the javan Slow Loris nycticebus javanicus
Scientific Reports, 2019Co-Authors: Wirdateti Wirdateti, K A I Nekaris, Francis Cabana, Jonathan B Clayton, Dan Knights, Henning SeedorfAbstract:Environment and diet are key factors which shape the microbiome of organisms. There is also a disparity between captive and wild animals of the same species, presumably because of the change in diet. Being able to reverse the microbiome to the wild type is thus particularly important for the reintroduction efforts of Critically Endangered animals. The Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus) is a suitable model, being kept in the thousands within rescue centres throughout Southeast Asia. With next-generation sequencing, we show how a naturalistic diet impacts the gut microbiome of captive Slow Lorises (Primates: Nycticebus). A comparison of the microbiome of wild animals with captive animals that had been fed a standard captive or improved diet reveals strong microbiome differences between wild and captive animals; however, diet changes failed to alter the microbiome of captive populations significantly. Bifidobacterium was the most abundant genus in wild animals (46.7%) while Bacteroides (11.6%) and Prevotella (18.9%) were the most abundant in captive animals fed the captive and improved diets, respectively. Correlation analyses of nutrients with microbial taxa suggest important implications in using nutrition to suppress potential pathogens, with soluble fibre and water-soluble carbohydrates both being associated with opposing microbiome profiles. The improved diet significantly increased microbe diversity, which exemplifies the importance of high fibre diets; however, wild individuals had lower diversity, which contradicts recent studies. Detection of methanogens appeared to be dependent on diet and whether the animals were living in captivity or in the wild. This study highlights the potential of nutrition in modulating the microbiome of animals prior to release. Unexpectedly, the results were not as significant as has been suggested in recent studies.
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the seasonal feeding ecology of the javan Slow Loris nycticebus javanicus
American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 2017Co-Authors: Francis Cabana, Wirdateti Wirdateti, E S Dierenfeld, Giuseppe Donati, K A I NekarisAbstract:Objectives To describe the strategy employed by exudativorous primates during seasonal shifts in food abundance using the Javan Slow Loris as a model. Males and females may cope differently as well as exploit fallback foods in different proportions. Materials and methods Observing 15 free ranging Javan Slow Lorises over a year, we quantified their seasonal diet and nutrient intake using intake rates. For gum intake rates, we conducted a trial with 10 captive Javan Slow Lorises measuring the length of time it took for them to ingest 10 g of gum. We monitored phenology in our field site over five plots that were assessed monthly. We weighed our free-ranging animals every six months. We analyzed all food items Slow Lorises ingested for macronutrients using the nutritional geometry framework. Results The Slow Loris diet consisted of eight food categories, with gum and insects being the major food sources in terms of wet weight intake. The captive gum trials resulted in an intake rate of 0.021 g/s. All food items eaten by wild Javan Slow Lorises were available in the wet season and were restricted in the dry season. Males and females reacted differently to seasonal abundances with females ingesting more protein, gum, fruits and flowers and males ingesting more fiber. Conclusions The strategy used by the Javan Slow Lorises during periods of lower food availability were similar to folivorous primates and included increased dependence on lower quality foods. The reproductive costs of gestation and lactation may place a burden on females that requires them to alter their foraging strategy during the dry season to ensure enough protein and overall energy is ingested. The overall strategy used by these exudativorous primates is one of nutrient maximization as no nutrient was clearly preferred over another.
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diets high in fruits and low in gum exudates promote the occurrence and development of dental disease in pygmy Slow Loris nycticebus pygmaeus
Zoo Biology, 2015Co-Authors: Francis Cabana, K A I NekarisAbstract:Asian Slow Lorises are found in zoos and rescue centres worldwide with Nycticebus pygmaeus, the pygmy Slow Loris, boasting the largest population in captivity. Diet are reportedly high in fruit and concentrates and low in insects and exudates. Wild feeding studies place insects, nectar, and gums as the most important diet components. Captive populations also show high incidences of health afflictions, many of which may be caused by nutrition. Our study, aims at identifying a causative agent within the diets of N. pygmaeus in regards to diseases prominent within captive populations. We sent out 55 diet and health questionnaires to institutions worldwide. Returned diets were nutritionally analyzed. Nutrient values and proportions of each ingredient were used in a principle components analysis. Resulting factors were used as variables in a binary logistic regression (BLR), with dental disease as the dependent variable. 39 questionnaires were returned with a total of 47 diets. 20 (51.7%) institutions reported the presence of diseases with dental issues being prominent. Factors that were significant in the principle components analysis included gum, nectar, protein, acid detergent fibre, calcium, ash, phosphorus, potassium, Ca:P, magnesium, vitamin D, and energy. Gum was the only significant predictor in the BLR. Lastly, a chi square test for association was performed with the presence of dental disease as the dependent variable and the amount of fruit in the diet. The combination of high fruits and little to no gum promotes the occurrence of dental diseases. Current captive diets do not reflect the evolutionary adaptations of Nycticebus primates. Zoo Biol. 34:547–553, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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factors influencing stereotypic behaviours of animals rescued from asian animal markets a Slow Loris case study
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2015Co-Authors: Richard S Moore, Francis Cabana, K A I NekarisAbstract:Abstract Illegal wildlife trade has devastating effects on wild populations in Southeast Asia, made evident from the rising numbers of threatened species found in rescue centres. The prevalence of Slow Lorises ( Nycticebus spp.) in trade allows for the first time, a study of the response of wild-caught strepsirrhines to a captive environment following a period of non-existent welfare. Many animals confiscated from trade arrive at rescue centres with mental and physical defects and regularly perform stereotypic behaviours. Our study assessed the prevalence of stereotypic behaviour in three species of Indonesian Slow Lorises ( n =90) at a Ciapus Primate Centre in Java, Indonesia. We surveyed all Slow Lorises present, three times a night, every night, over a four-week period and recorded every time a Slow Loris exhibited stereotypies. We described the stereotypic behaviours witnessed and attempted to predict the occurrence of this behaviour. 33% of animals observed exhibited at least one of three forms of stereotypy – pacing, rocking head, circling. We examined extrinsic and intrinsic factors including sex, species, length of time in captivity, cage size and group composition to highlight stereotypic predictors. A logistic regression analysis revealed that 21.9% of variability in the presence of stereotypies could be explained by sex composition and number of conspecifics sharing an enclosure. Through experimenting with different size and sex composition of groups and distance to neighbouring groups, occurrence of stereotypies may be reduced. Numerous other factors not tested for, including a genetic predisposition to coping with life in captivity, could be responsible for these behaviours. As stereotypies in zoo-living Lorises are rare, the brutal conditions of the trade may also play a major role in their prevalence in this study.
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pygmy Slow Loris nycticebus pygmaeus european zoo diet survey results
Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 2014Co-Authors: Francis CabanaAbstract:The captive population of Pygmy Slow Loris ( Nycticebus pygmaeus) in European zoos is managed by a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). However, there are so far no available nutrient recommendations for this species. With the consent of the Prosimian Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), a nutrition questionnaire was circulated to the 39 EEP participants asking about the ingredients for their N. pygmaeus diets, presentation, and related health issues. Only 16 replied (41%), 15 of which included adequate nutritional information. The replies revealed that diets in practice reflect the lack of guidelines and are not based on research evidence that N. pygmaeus is an exudativore, feeding on gum, nectar and insects. Therefore none of the reported diets are appropriate or conducive to optimum health and welfare. Nutrition guidelines are essential to improve the husbandry of all Lorisid taxa kept in zoos.
Ajith Kumar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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exudativory in the bengal Slow Loris nycticebus bengalensis in trishna wildlife sanctuary tripura northeast india
American Journal of Primatology, 2009Co-Authors: Sindhu Radhakrishna, N Swapna, Atul Kumar Gupta, Ajith KumarAbstract:In this study we estimated the extent of exudativory in Nycticebus bengalensis and examined whether exudates can be considered as fallback foods. This study was carried out in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, northeastern India, in winter (December–February) and summer (March and April). We estimated time–activity budget using instantaneous sampling and used continuous focal animal sampling to record all instances and durations of feeding, over a total of 177 hr. Feeding accounted for 22.3±2.2% of the activity budget, with no seasonal difference. Bengal Slow Lorises fed on exudates, nectar, fruit, bark, invertebrates and avian eggs. In addition to scraping they also obtained exudates by gouging holes into the bark of trees. In winter, Lorises almost exclusively fed on exudates (94.3% of winter feeding time). In summer, exudates (67.3%) and nectar from one species (22.3%) dominated the diet. This study identifies the Bengal Slow Loris as the most exudativorous Loris. Exudates rather than being a staple fallback food, seem to be a preferred, patchily distributed and common food in the diet of the Bengal Slow Loris. Exudativory in this species is characterized by high selectivity among species and seasonal variation, which may be related to variations in productivity of exudates and their chemical composition. An understanding of these factors is necessary for predicting the response of this species to human disturbance such as logging. This study also underscores the importance of protecting some of the common species such as Terminalia belerica on which the Loris feeds during periods of scarcity. Am. J. Primatol. 72:113–121, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
P C Bhattacharjee - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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persistence and protection of the vulnerable bengal Slow Loris nycticebus bengalensis in assam and arunachal pradesh north east india
Oryx, 2015Co-Authors: K A I Nekaris, J Biswas, P C BhattacharjeeAbstract:The Bengal Slow Loris Nycticebus bengalensis is the only strepsirrhine primate in north-east India. It is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. The limited information on its status and ecology is the main hindrance to developing a conservation strategy for this species in India. Therefore during February 2009–May 2010 we surveyed the species in 16 protected areas in Assam and one protected area in Arunachal Pradesh. We used recce transects to estimate encounter rates for the species. A team of 3–4 conducted night-time surveys (18.00–03.00) on foot, covering 370 km over 99 full and 28 partial nights. We recorded Lorises a total of 22 times in nine protected areas in Assam and three times in the protected area in Arunachal Pradesh. The mean distance of Lorises from transects at the time of encounter was 15.04 m, at a mean height of 12.36 m above ground. The encounter rate was 0.06–0.2 Lorises per km, which is relatively low compared to encounter rates for Slow Lorises elsewhere in their range but higher than recorded by other studies in north-east India. We found that despite hunting and habitat loss Bengal Slow Lorises still exist in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, albeit patchily within a forest block. The protected area network in these states is important for their conservation.
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medicinal plant exudativory by the bengal Slow Loris nycticebus bengalensis
Endangered Species Research, 2014Co-Authors: K A I Nekaris, P C BhattacharjeeAbstract:Slow Lorises are members of a rare guild of obligate exudativores. Secondary meta - bolites in their diet have been implicated as contributing to the evolution of both their Slow basal metabolism and their venom. No long-term study has yet examined the feeding ecology of the largest of the Lorises, the Bengal Slow Loris Nycticebus bengalensis. We conducted an 18 mo study from June 2008 to December 2010 in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India, to investigate whether Bengal Slow Lorises prefer gum, and whether there is any evidence of second- ary metabolites in their diet. We detected the Lorises along line transects using existing trails and followed each animal as long as possible, recording selected behaviours via focal instantaneous sampling. We recorded 629 feeding incidents during 270 night walks. We found that up to 80.9% of feeding bouts were of plant exudates, followed by bark, floral parts, insects, fruits, and tender (i.e. immature) leaves. Within the plant exudate category, 5 species were consumed in 71% of the total exudate feeding bouts: Terminalia chebula, Mesua ferrea, T. arjuna, Ficus hispida and Dil- lenia indica. These species all have high medicinal value and are commonly used by the local communities for traditional medicinal purposes. Absorption of secondary metabolites from these plants may explain unusual healing patterns observed in wild Slow Lorises, but lacking in Lorises held in captivity. Their dietary affinity towards medicinal plants could explain patterns of use of Slow Lorises within the traditional medicine trade in the Indo-Chinese region.
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status of bengal Slow Loris nycticebus bengalensis primates Lorisidae in gibbon wildlife sanctuary assam india
Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2009Co-Authors: J Biswas, A Sangma, P C BhattacharjeeAbstract:Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary (GWLS) in the Jorhat District of Assam in northeastern India is rich in primate diversity with seven species. The plains alluvial semi-evergreen forest patches with high canopy cover support a variety of fauna. In October-November 2008, we carried out a survey to estimate the population status of Bengal Slow Loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) in GWLS, a species for which little data are available in India, and whose conservation status has only recently been changed from Data Deficient to Vulnerable. We estimated population abundance of 0.18 Loris individuals/km using recce-survey transects’ method in GWLS.