Pygmy Slow Loris

Scientific name: Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus

Type: Mammal Main biome: Tropical Jungle Difficulty: Alta

Small nocturnal primate with slow movements and large eyes, native to Southeast Asian forests.

Basic information

🏡Home: evergreen forests, bamboo and dense scrubland in Southeast Asia.
🍏Food: sap, nectar, insects and small vertebrates.
👫Sexual dimorphism: slight, males and females similar in size.
🐾Predators: snakes, nocturnal raptors and carnivores; main current threat is humans.

What this species is like in its natural environment.

The pygmy slow loris is a highly specialized and sensitive nocturnal primate, now endangered due to trafficking and habitat loss.

Uses the mid and lower forest canopy, moving slowly among branches and lianas while foraging.

Has slow and cautious movements, spending much of the night foraging silently.

Its combination of venom, huge night-adapted eyes and stealthy movements make it unique among primates.

Listed as endangered; forest destruction and capture for illegal trade are main threats.

Striking details about this species.

Aspects to consider in captivity.

Facilities and spaceCritical

In captivity needs dark and quiet enclosures with abundant branches and hiding spots.

Light, temperature and environmentCritical

Requires varied diet including nectar, sap and live prey, difficult to replicate correctly.

Handling and stressVery delicate

Direct handling is especially stressful and dangerous; not for exhibition or contact.

Information for professional facilities.

⚠️ Capture and trade of mammals like this species are regulated in many countries.

Maintenance is not suitable in general collections and should be limited to highly controlled conservation projects.

Education should focus on discouraging pet keeping and reporting illegal trade.

Priority is protecting forests where it lives and cutting wildlife trafficking chains.

This information is for educational purposes.