Topic summary

Nycticebus borneanus

Nycticebus borneanus

Nycticebus borneanus, the Bornean slow loris, is a strepsirrhineprimate and a species of slow loris that is native to central south Borneo in Indonesia. Formerly considered a subspecies or synonym of N. menagensis, it was promoted to full species status in 2013 when a study of museum specimens and photographs identified distinct facial markings, which helped to differentiate it as a separate species. It is distinguished by its dark, contrasting facial features, as well as the shape and width of the stripes of its facial markings.

As with other slow lorises, this arboreal and nocturnal species primarily eats insects, tree gum, nectar, and fruit and has a toxic bite, a unique feature among primates. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) assessed it as "Vulnerable" in 2020. It is primarily threatened by habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade.