Why the adorable slow loris is a critical subject for global health research
In short: Primates often mistaken for fictional creatures are actually endangered victims of illegal trade. Primatologist Mary Blair explains how studying these animals provides vital insights into wildlife trafficking networks and the potential for zoonotic disease transmission.
In a 2017 lecture at the American Museum of Natural History, Mary Blair, Director of Biodiversity Informatics Research, detailed the intersection of conservation biology and public health. While their large eyes and appearance have made them popular targets for the illegal wildlife trade, slow lorises serve as a key case study for understanding how human exploitation of wildlife creates pathways for disease.
The research, supported by the National Institutes of Health, highlights the dual urgency of protecting endangered species and mitigating the risks associated with zoonotic pathogens. By analyzing the trafficking of these primates, scientists can better map the movement of animals and the associated health threats to human populations.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Search for Slow Lorises - AMNH SciCafe
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