Meet The World's Only Venomous Primate
By: NDTVNewsDesk
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The slow loris is the world's only venomous primates, which produce a toxin from glands on their arms.
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This toxin then mixes with their saliva and is applied to their grooved teeth to deliver a venomous bite.
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While often thought to be used against predators, the venom is now believed to be used primarily in intra-species disputes.
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This unique defense mechanism, a trait rare among mammals, can cause painful and flesh-rotting bites.
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Slow lorises have a specialized brachial gland located in their upper arm that secretes a noxious, oily substance.
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When threatened, a slow loris raises its arms and licks the gland, mixing the oily secretion with its saliva.
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In humans, the bite can cause severe reactions, including anaphylactic shock and, in some cases, death.
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The venomous bite is a rare and unique trait among mammals, and it is unique among all known primates.
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