Southern Pygmy Loris
EN

Southern Pygmy Loris

Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus

Declining

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

Forest· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislation

Other threatened species in LORISIDAE

Bornean Slow LorisVU

Bornean Slow Loris

Nycticebus borneanus

Declining
EN

Bengal Slow Loris

Nycticebus bengalensis

Declining
Sumatran Slow LorisEN

Sumatran Slow Loris

Nycticebus hilleri

Declining
Bangka Slow LorisCR

Bangka Slow Loris

Nycticebus bancanus

Declining

Threatened in Cambodia

Bourret's Cat SnakeEN

Bourret's Cat Snake

Boiga bourreti

Unknown
VU

Synchronous Bent-wing Firefly

Pteroptyx malaccae

Declining
CR

Lithocarpus eriobotryifolius

Declining
VU

Schistura kontumensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Southern Pygmy Loris classified as Endangered?
Southern 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 Southern Pygmy Loris live?
Southern Pygmy Loris occurs in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Southern Pygmy Loris?
The main threats to Southern Pygmy Loris are 1.1, 2.1, 5.1, and 5.1.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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