Quick answer
IUCN status: VulnerablePhilippine slow loris at a glance
The Philippine slow loris (Nycticebus menagensis) is a mammal in the family Lorisidae. Range in Indonesia: Borneo, mainly the northern and eastern coast (East Kalimantan). Diet: insects, tree gum, nectar, fruit and eggs; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Nycticebus menagensis |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Kukang Kalimantan |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Lorisidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Borneo, mainly the northern and eastern coast (East Kalimantan) |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Diet | Insects, tree gum, nectar, fruit and eggs |
| Range in Indonesia | Coastal north and east Borneo, including East Kalimantan |
| Key feature | Very pale fur, soft face mask, usually bare ears |
| Risk to people | Venomous, very painful bite that can cause anaphylactic shock |
| Other names | Kukang Kalimantan; formerly called Bornean slow loris |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 75 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — tree sap/gum, insects and small vertebrates · IUCN Red List |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · Muldani, Llano Sanchez & Farey 2024, Anaphylaxis following a slow loris bite occurring in an area of forest fragmentation (BMJ Case Rep; West Kalimantan) |
| Observance days | Indonesian Primate Day (30 January); International Slow Loris Day (13 September) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · Slow Lorises - Nycticebus spp. - Ecology Asia |
In this guide (12)
What is the Philippine slow loris?
The Philippine slow loris (Nycticebus menagensis) is a small, night-active primate and one of the slow lorises, the only venomous primates. The Mammal Diversity Database lists it as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
All lorises on Borneo were once placed in N. menagensis. In 2013, Munds and colleagues used facial mask patterns to split them into four species: N. menagensis, N. bancanus, N. borneanus and N. kayan. In that study, N. menagensis is very pale, with a softly contrasting face mask, a narrow white stripe between the eyes and ears that are usually bare. Six museum specimens averaged 274.2 mm in head-and-body length.
Evidence: American Journal of Primatology — Munds, Nekaris & Ford (2013), Taxonomy of the Bornean slow loris, with new species Nycticebus kayan (PDF, Wayback Machine copy) ↗ · Mammal Diversity Database (ASM) — Nycticebus menagensis, Philippine Slow Loris ↗ · Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases — Nekaris et al. (2013), Mad, bad and dangerous to know: the biochemistry, ecology and evolution of slow loris venom ↗
Where does the Philippine slow loris live?
Under the 2013 revision, the Philippine slow loris lives on the northern and eastern coasts of Borneo (East Kalimantan, Sabah and Brunei) and in the southern Philippine islands. In East Kalimantan and Sabah it overlaps with the Kayan slow loris (N. kayan), which appears absent from the coast.
West, Central and South Kalimantan are home to its relatives N. bancanus and N. borneanus. Yet Indonesian release reports still use N. menagensis for lorises from other areas, such as one freed by the conservation agency (BKSDA) at Gunung Tarak, West Kalimantan, in 2022. The IUCN assessment reproduced by ESABII lists primary and secondary lowland forest, gardens and plantations as its habitat.
Evidence: American Journal of Primatology — Munds, Nekaris & Ford (2013), Taxonomy of the Bornean slow loris, with new species Nycticebus kayan (PDF, Wayback Machine copy) ↗ · Yayasan IAR Indonesia — Selamat Setelah Tersengat Listrik, Kukang Elektro Dilepasliarkan di HL Gunung Tarak (2022) ↗ · ESABII (Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup Jepang) — Threatened Mammal Species Database: Nycticebus menagensis ↗
What does the Philippine slow loris eat?
The Philippine slow loris is omnivorous: in the wild, slow lorises eat insects, nectar, tree gum, fruit, eggs and small animals. Mongabay describes this diet for slow lorises in general, including the Bornean species.
Diet data for this species alone are still limited. Wirdateti, a primate researcher at LIPI quoted by Mongabay, explains that lorises use their canine teeth to bite hard food such as insects and fruit. Lorises also play a role in the forest: by eating fruit they spread seeds, and by eating insects they help control pests. The same researcher says they also help pollinate flowers.
Evidence: Mongabay — New species of cute, but venomous, primate discovered in Borneo (2012) ↗ · Mongabay Indonesia — Kukang Bukan Hewan Peliharaan, Hidupnya di Hutan (2026) ↗ · Mongabay Indonesia — Mencabut Gigi Kukang Sama Saja Membunuhnya Perlahan (2017) ↗
How does the Philippine slow loris behave?
The Philippine slow loris is active at night, lives almost entirely in trees and moves slowly. The older IUCN assessment reproduced by ESABII describes lorises on Borneo as rarely encountered: in 46,000 trap-nights in Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, lorises were caught only three times.
When threatened, a slow loris raises both arms above its head, so its mouth can quickly reach the brachial gland inside the elbow; the gland's fluid mixes with saliva to form venom. A 2013 review by Nekaris and colleagues shows a Philippine slow loris in this posture. The review suggests the venom mainly works against parasites and other lorises, and may also deter predators.
Evidence: ESABII (Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup Jepang) — Threatened Mammal Species Database: Nycticebus menagensis ↗ · Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases — Nekaris et al. (2013), Mad, bad and dangerous to know: the biochemistry, ecology and evolution of slow loris venom ↗
Is the Philippine slow loris venomous?
Yes, like all slow lorises, the Philippine slow loris has a venomous bite. A 2013 review by Nekaris and colleagues reports that loris bites are intensely painful and can cause swelling and festering wounds that take weeks to heal and leave scars. In extreme cases, people who are bitten go into anaphylactic shock, which is sometimes fatal.
Wirdateti, a primate researcher at LIPI, told Mongabay that the venom comes from an arm gland, not the teeth. Common symptoms are vomiting, dizziness and swelling at the bite. Never handle, catch or keep a slow loris. If you are bitten, seek medical care at a health facility immediately.
Evidence: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases — Nekaris et al. (2013), Mad, bad and dangerous to know: the biochemistry, ecology and evolution of slow loris venom ↗ · Mongabay Indonesia — Mencabut Gigi Kukang Sama Saja Membunuhnya Perlahan (2017) ↗
How can the Philippine slow loris be protected?
The Philippine slow loris is protected in Indonesia: the annex to ministerial regulation P.106/2018 lists Nycticebus menagensis as kukang kalimantan. Its main threat is the pet trade. Mongabay reported in 2026 that about 7,000 slow lorises are traded each year, and almost all lorises on sale are caught from the wild.
Hunters and traders often cut or pull out lorises' teeth, leaving them prone to infection and unable to eat properly; many can never be released. Lorises kept as pets after their teeth are cut survive only about six months. To help, do not buy, keep or share videos of pet lorises, and report loris trading to local conservation officers.
Evidence: JDIH Kementerian Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (PDF, dengan lampiran) ↗ · Mongabay Indonesia — Kukang Bukan Hewan Peliharaan, Hidupnya di Hutan (2026) ↗ · Mongabay Indonesia — Mencabut Gigi Kukang Sama Saja Membunuhnya Perlahan (2017) ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Philippine slow loris
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Lorisidae |
| Genus | Nycticebus |
| Species | Nycticebus menagensis |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Philippine slow loris
What is the scientific name of the Philippine slow loris?
The scientific name of the Philippine slow loris is Nycticebus menagensis, in the family Lorisidae. In Indonesian it is called Kukang Kalimantan.
What kind of animal is the Philippine slow loris?
The Philippine slow loris is a mammal in the family Lorisidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a tree sap/gum, insects and small vertebrates.
Where does the Philippine slow loris live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the Philippine slow loris in: Borneo, mainly the northern and eastern coast (East Kalimantan).
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the Philippine slow loris eat?
Diet of the Philippine slow loris: insects, tree gum, nectar, fruit and eggs. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: IUCN Red List.
How does the Philippine slow loris reproduce?
The Philippine slow loris reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Philippine slow loris venomous?
Yes. The Philippine slow loris is venomous. Slow lorises are among the few venomous mammals; bites can cause necrotic wounds and anaphylactic reactions. Source: Muldani, Llano Sanchez & Farey 2024, Anaphylaxis following a slow loris bite occurring in an area of forest fragmentation (BMJ Case Rep; West Kalimantan).
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 Philippine slow loris nocturnal?
The cited source records the Philippine slow loris as nocturnal (active at night). Source: Slow Lorises - Nycticebus spp. - Ecology Asia.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the Philippine slow loris?
Key features of the Philippine slow loris, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: very pale fur, soft face mask, usually bare ears.
Is the Philippine slow loris dangerous to people?
Venomous, very painful bite that can cause anaphylactic shock.
Do not approach, catch or handle wild animals. If you are injured or bitten, get medical care at a health facility straight away.
What is the scientific classification of the Philippine slow loris?
Scientific classification of the Philippine slow loris: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Lorisidae, genus Nycticebus, species Nycticebus menagensis.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Philippine slow loris endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Philippine slow loris is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Philippine slow loris protected in Indonesia?
Is the Philippine slow loris protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Philippine slow loris (Nycticebus menagensis) 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 (annex, entry 75).
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.
Can the Philippine slow loris be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Philippine 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.
Sources & references
- American Journal of Primatology — Munds, Nekaris & Ford (2013), Taxonomy of the Bornean slow loris, with new species Nycticebus kayan (PDF, Wayback Machine copy) ↗
- Mammal Diversity Database (ASM) — Nycticebus menagensis, Philippine Slow Loris ↗
- ESABII (Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup Jepang) — Threatened Mammal Species Database: Nycticebus menagensis ↗
- Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases — Nekaris et al. (2013), Mad, bad and dangerous to know: the biochemistry, ecology and evolution of slow loris venom ↗
- Mongabay Indonesia — Mencabut Gigi Kukang Sama Saja Membunuhnya Perlahan (2017) ↗
- Mongabay Indonesia — Kukang Bukan Hewan Peliharaan, Hidupnya di Hutan (2026) ↗
- Mongabay — New species of cute, but venomous, primate discovered in Borneo (2012) ↗
- Yayasan IAR Indonesia — Selamat Setelah Tersengat Listrik, Kukang Elektro Dilepasliarkan di HL Gunung Tarak (2022) ↗
- JDIH Kementerian Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (PDF, dengan lampiran) ↗
- IUCN Red List ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Slow Lorises - Nycticebus spp. - Ecology Asia ↗
- Muldani, Llano Sanchez & Farey 2024, Anaphylaxis following a slow loris bite occurring in an area of forest fragmentation (BMJ Case Rep; West Kalimantan) ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Related causes and news
Help from outside Indonesia
If you live outside Indonesia, you can help slow lorises through rescue and rehabilitation with World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network. PanduanHewan itself does not accept donations, and this invitation is not directed at people in Indonesia.
Further reading
Slow loris: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — 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.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Philippine slow loris (Nycticebus menagensis). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/philippine-slow-loris/