# Javan slow loris

> A nocturnal, tree-dwelling primate of Java threatened by wildlife trade. Understanding its behaviour helps turn curiosity into respectful observation.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/javan-slow-loris/ · Updated 7 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/kukang-jawa/
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**Review status:** Approved by team on 2026-10-07. Approval covers this version’s narrative, facts, quick answers and recorded locations in both languages.

## Quick answer

The Javan slow loris (*Nycticebus javanicus*) is a mammal in the family Lorisidae. Range in Indonesia: Java, Indonesia. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Java (mainly the west and centre). Diet: tree gum, nectar and insects; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Critically Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Nycticebus javanicus* |
| Indonesian name | Kukang Jawa |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Lorisidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Java, Indonesia |
| Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) |
| Range | Java |
| Special feature | One of the venomous mammals |
| IUCN status | Critically Endangered · [Little Fireface Project — Javan slow loris research](https://www.nocturama.org/en/welcome-little-fireface-project/) |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 74 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — tree gum, nectar and insects · [Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo)](https://zenodo.org/records/6632630) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · [Barrett et al. 2021, Risky Business: The Function of Play in a Venomous Mammal - The Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus) (Toxins)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8145416/) |
| Observance days | [Indonesian Primate Day (30 January)](https://panduanhewan.org/en/animal-days-calendar/#hari-primata-indonesia); [International Slow Loris Day (13 September)](https://panduanhewan.org/en/animal-days-calendar/#hari-kukang-internasional) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · [Environment shapes sleep patterns in a wild nocturnal primate (Reinhardt et al. 2019, Scientific Reports; PMC)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6616475/) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Java (mainly the west and centre) · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39761/205911512) |

## A night life that needs space

Javan slow lorises are active at night and depend on trees within their living space. Large eyes and apparently calm movements can make people want to approach. That appearance does not establish that an animal welcomes handling or makes a suitable pet. Observation should adapt to its needs, not the reverse.

Evidence: [Little Fireface Project — Current research](https://www.nocturama.org/en/current-research/) · [Little Fireface Project — Research and responsible ecotourism](https://www.nocturama.org/en/welcome-little-fireface-project/)

## A primate with venomous defence

Little Fireface Project describes an arm gland whose secretion mixes with saliva as part of the loris venom system. Do not handle a wild loris or attempt a relocation yourself. This explains the animal’s biology; it is not an invitation to test a bite or a guide to treating one.

Evidence: [Little Fireface Project — Current research](https://www.nocturama.org/en/current-research/)

## Connected trees matter

Research in Java examines how lorises live in landscapes also used by people. Canopy connections designed and monitored with communities can assist movement. This does not mean every farm replaces forest, or that putting up an unassessed rope is automatically a safe solution. Local context and monitoring are essential.

Evidence: [Little Fireface Project — Current research](https://www.nocturama.org/en/current-research/)

## The consequences of wildlife trade

International Animal Rescue documents traded lorises with teeth removed and other injuries. Such damage can compromise their chances of returning to the wild. Buying an animal to rescue it can maintain demand; seek reporting routes rather than a direct transaction with a seller. Rehabilitation requires specialist assessment.

Evidence: [International Animal Rescue — Slow loris pet trade](https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/truth-behind-slow-loris-pet-trade)

## Watch online videos critically

A short video cannot show a loris’s history, condition, or available choices. Content presenting lorises as toys or accessories can normalise keeping wildlife. Before sharing, seek context from research or rehabilitation organisations and avoid promoting sellers or sensitive animal locations. Apparent stillness should not be read as consent.

Evidence: [Little Fireface Project — Wildlife trade and online videos](https://www.nocturama.org/en/wildlife-trade/)

## Support research and ethical viewing

Little Fireface Project combines long-term observations with community work. During night watching, follow guides who understand the animal, limit disturbance, and avoid contact. Support may involve education, habitat protection, or volunteering with clearly defined roles and supervision. A useful contribution does not need to involve handling wildlife.

Evidence: [Little Fireface Project — Research and responsible ecotourism](https://www.nocturama.org/en/welcome-little-fireface-project/)

## Scientific classification of the Javan slow loris

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Lorisidae |
| Genus | *Nycticebus* |
| Species | *Nycticebus javanicus* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Javan slow loris

### What is the scientific name of the Javan slow loris?

The scientific name of the Javan slow loris is *Nycticebus javanicus*, in the family Lorisidae. In Indonesian it is called Kukang Jawa.

### What kind of animal is the Javan slow loris?

The Javan slow loris is a mammal in the family Lorisidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a tree gum, nectar and insects. It is also endemic to Indonesia.

### Where does the Javan slow loris live in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the Javan slow loris in: Java, Indonesia.

The Javan slow loris is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Java (mainly the west and centre). Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39761/205911512).

Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/).

### What does the Javan slow loris eat?

The Javan slow loris is a tree gum, nectar and insects. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: [Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo)](https://zenodo.org/records/6632630).

### How does the Javan slow loris reproduce?

The Javan slow loris reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### Is the Javan slow loris venomous?

Yes. The Javan slow loris is venomous. Slow lorises are among the few venomous mammals; bites can cause necrotic wounds and anaphylactic reactions. Source: [Barrett et al. 2021, Risky Business: The Function of Play in a Venomous Mammal - The Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus) (Toxins)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8145416/).

Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.

### Is the Javan slow loris nocturnal?

The cited source records the Javan slow loris as nocturnal (active at night). Source: [Environment shapes sleep patterns in a wild nocturnal primate (Reinhardt et al. 2019, Scientific Reports; PMC)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6616475/).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What are the main features of the Javan slow loris?

Key features of the Javan slow loris, from this guide’s sources: Special feature: one of the venomous mammals.

### What is the scientific classification of the Javan slow loris?

Scientific classification of the Javan slow loris: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Lorisidae, genus *Nycticebus*, species *Nycticebus javanicus*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Javan slow loris endangered?

Yes. The global conservation status of the Javan slow loris: Critically Endangered. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [Little Fireface Project — Javan slow loris research](https://www.nocturama.org/en/welcome-little-fireface-project/).

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the Javan slow loris protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the Javan slow loris protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The Javan slow loris (*Nycticebus javanicus*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 74).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the Javan slow loris be kept as a pet?

No. Because the Javan slow loris is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [Little Fireface Project — Current research](https://www.nocturama.org/en/current-research/)
2. [Little Fireface Project — Research and responsible ecotourism](https://www.nocturama.org/en/welcome-little-fireface-project/)
3. [International Animal Rescue — Slow loris pet trade](https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/truth-behind-slow-loris-pet-trade)
4. [Little Fireface Project — Wildlife trade and online videos](https://www.nocturama.org/en/wildlife-trade/)
5. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo)](https://zenodo.org/records/6632630)
7. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
8. [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39761/205911512)
9. [Environment shapes sleep patterns in a wild nocturnal primate (Reinhardt et al. 2019, Scientific Reports; PMC)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6616475/)
10. [Barrett et al. 2021, Risky Business: The Function of Play in a Venomous Mammal - The Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus) (Toxins)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8145416/)
11. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Slow loris: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/slow-loris/) — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/)
- [Reporting Suspected Wildlife Trafficking](https://panduanhewan.org/en/emergency/report-wildlife-trade/)
- [Finding a Young Wild Animal](https://panduanhewan.org/en/emergency/found-young-wild-animal/)
- [Volunteering for Animals](https://panduanhewan.org/en/guides/volunteering-for-animals/)
- [Javan gibbon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/javan-gibbon/)
- [Javan hawk-eagle](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/javan-hawk-eagle/)
- [Sunda slow loris](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sunda-slow-loris/)
- [Philippine slow loris](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/philippine-slow-loris/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Javan slow loris. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/javan-slow-loris/