Undertoad • Jan 19, 2007 12:44 pm
It's a baby Slender Loris, in a picture released by the Zoological Society of London, as part of a new campaign to save some of the world's rarest and most neglected creatures from extinction.
The Loris is one of the Ten Weirdest Animals, in a group with the Long-beaked echidna, the Long-eared jerboa and the Golden-rumped elephant shrew. This group will be focused on in conservation efforts, because they say many species are lost simply because they fall through the cracks and aren't noticed.
Ironically, the Loris won't fall through a crack. It's noted for its interesting grip. The feet have the same sort of opposing digits as the hands, a sort of foot-thumb, which gives them a unique four-way grip. They can actually sleep while hanging onto a branch.