Pygmy Loris
EN

Pygmy Loris

Nycticebus pygmaeus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_slow_loris

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Pygmy Loris faces severe pressure from illegal wildlife trade, where it is captured for use in traditional medicine and as exotic pets despite its venomous bite. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia has fragmented its forest home. The species' slow reproductive rate and specialized nocturnal lifestyle make population recovery particularly challenging once local extinctions occur.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Pygmy Loris inhabits tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, preferring dense canopy areas with bamboo understory. It occupies both primary and secondary forests across Vietnam, Laos, and eastern Cambodia, typically at elevations below 1,500 meters.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pygmy Loris classified as Endangered?
Pygmy Loris is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Pygmy Loris faces severe pressure from illegal wildlife trade, where it is captured for use in traditional medicine and as exotic pets despite its venomous bite. Habitat destruction through deforestation and agricultural expansion across Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia has fragmented its forest home. The species' slow reproductive rate and specialized nocturnal lifestyle make population recovery particularly challenging once local extinctions occur.
Where does Pygmy Loris live?
Pygmy Loris occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pygmy Loris?
The main threats to Pygmy Loris are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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