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Reproduction, physical growth and behavioral development in slow loris (Nycticebus coucang, Lorisidae)

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Human Evolution

Abstract

Reproduction of slow loris maintained in in- and outdoor enclosures in the natural day-night-cycle of southern Germany seems to be seasonally dependant. Mating occurs during summer, delivery of offspring during winter. Gestation length as determined from mid-estrus was 186–187 days. Copulation takes place over two to five consecutive days during estrus. Litter size for each of the recorded births was one. Lactation lasts for five to seven months. Sexual maturity is reached at about 1 1/2 to 2 years. Physical growth and the first appearance of main locomotor, behavioral and vocal patterns are described until nutritive weaning. With regard to acoustic structures, the vocal repertoire of newborn slow loris is quite similar to that of adults. During ontogeny main changes are discerned in the temporal pattern and pitch frequency of vocalizations and in their use. Results are compared with other primates.

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Zimmermann, E. Reproduction, physical growth and behavioral development in slow loris (Nycticebus coucang, Lorisidae). Hum. Evol. 4, 171–179 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02435445

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