animals, animals, animals

Paying homage to the wonderful, unusual and diverse world of animals. I make no claim to content ownership. Sources are credited (with links) whenever possible — on both unique posts & re-blogs. Any post will be removed upon request (please provide URL link to the post/page). Enjoy! Email: animalworldtumblrblog@gmail.com Twitter: @animalworldtoo


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SLOW LORIS (Nycticebus coucang) - an unlikely animal which is both venomous and poisonous  ©jambieexplorer on primates.com The Slow Loris is one of the few mammals which is venomous. In addition, it is the only mammal which is both venomous and poisonous at the same time. Slow lorises produce a toxin on the inside of its elbows which it smears on its young to prevent them from being eaten. In addition it will lick these patches to put the poison in its mouth, giving it a venomous bite used for self defense. Both venomous and poisonous animals produce a toxin that is injurious or even lethal to another organism. The real difference between the two terms involves how that toxin is delivered. Venomous organisms deliver or inject venom into other organisms, using a specialized apparatus of some kind (usually fangs or a stinger) Slow Loris toxin is similar to the allergen in cat dander. Loris bites cause a painful swelling, but the toxin is mild and not fatal. Cases of human death have been due to anaphylactic shock. Poisonous organisms, on the other hand, do not deliver their toxins directly. The entire body, or large parts of it, may contain the poisonous substance. These organisms may be harmful when eaten or touched. Slow lorises have an unusually low basal metabolic rate. This may be as little as 40% of the typical value for placental mammals of their size, comparable to that of sloths. Since they consume a relatively high calorie diet that is available year round, it has been proposed that this slow metabolism is due primarily to the need to eliminate toxic compounds from their food. For example, slow lorises can feed on Gluta bark, which can be fatal to humans. Fact Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_loris Other photos you may enjoy: Slow Loris Bengal Slow Loris creeping up on you Another unassuming threat: Textile Cone Snail

SLOW LORIS (Nycticebus coucang) - an unlikely animal which is both venomous and poisonous 

©jambieexplorer on primates.com

The Slow Loris is one of the few mammals which is venomous. In addition, it is the only mammal which is both venomous and poisonous at the same time. Slow lorises produce a toxin on the inside of its elbows which it smears on its young to prevent them from being eaten. In addition it will lick these patches to put the poison in its mouth, giving it a venomous bite used for self defense.

Both venomous and poisonous animals produce a toxin that is injurious or even lethal to another organism. The real difference between the two terms involves how that toxin is delivered.

Venomous organisms deliver or inject venom into other organisms, using a specialized apparatus of some kind (usually fangs or a stinger) Slow Loris toxin is similar to the allergen in cat dander. Loris bites cause a painful swelling, but the toxin is mild and not fatal. Cases of human death have been due to anaphylactic shock.

Poisonous organisms, on the other hand, do not deliver their toxins directly. The entire body, or large parts of it, may contain the poisonous substance. These organisms may be harmful when eaten or touched.

Slow lorises have an unusually low basal metabolic rate. This may be as little as 40% of the typical value for placental mammals of their size, comparable to that of sloths. Since they consume a relatively high calorie diet that is available year round, it has been proposed that this slow metabolism is due primarily to the need to eliminate toxic compounds from their food. For example, slow lorises can feed on Gluta bark, which can be fatal to humans.

Fact Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_loris

Other photos you may enjoy:

Slow Loris

Bengal Slow Loris creeping up on you

Another unassuming threat:

Textile Cone Snail

Notes

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    “Não fui eu!”
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  10. amazzingamanda reblogged this from animalworld and added:
    cutest, most badass animal ever!
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    people stare at me like this, especially mrs.rice….
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    OMG ZE QTNESS I DIE. I wish they were legal
  17. This was featured in #Animals
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