Thermoregulation in the slender loris (Loris tardigradus)

Abstract

Thermoregulatory characteristics of slender lorises largely resemble those of other slow-moving Lorisidae: Body temperature is slightly below the normal mammalian level and basal metabolic heat production is only about half of the mass-specific standard. During cold exposure only a rather small body core is kept at a high temperature level whereas large parts of the body are allowed to cool. Contrary to the findings in other Lorisidae slender lorises are more tolerant against high environmental temperatures, largely due to the ability of considerably increasing evaporative cooling.