The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™

ISSN 2307-8235 (online)

IUCN 2020: T163013860A17970781
Scope(s): Global
Language: English

Nycticebus menagensis, Philippine Slow Loris

Assessment by: Nekaris, K.A.I., Miard, P. & Streicher, U.

View on www.iucnredlist.org

Citation: Nekaris, K.A.I., Miard, P. & Streicher, U. 2020. Nycticebus menagensis. The IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species 2020: e.T163013860A17970781. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-
2.RLTS.T163013860A17970781.en

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Taxonomy
Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family

Animalia Chordata Mammalia Primates Lorisidae

Scientific Name: Nycticebus menagensis (Lydekker, 1893)

Synonym(s):
• Lemur menagensis Lydekker, 1893
• Nycticebus coucang ssp. menagensis Lydekker, 1893
• Nycticebus menagensis ssp. menagensis Lydekker, 1893
• Nycticebus menagensis ssp. philippinus Cabrera, 1908

Common Name(s):
• English: Philippine Slow Loris
Taxonomic Source(s):
Munds, R.A., Nekaris, K.A.I. and Ford, S.M. 2013. Taxonomy of the Bornean slow loris, with new species
Nycticebus kayan (Primates, Lorisidae). American journal of primatology 75(1): 46-56.

Taxonomic Notes:
This taxon was formerly considered a subspecies of Nycticebus coucang, but was elevated to species
level by Roos (2003) and Chen et al. (2006). See also Nekaris and Jaffe (2007). The smallest of the
Indonesian slow lorises (350 g-600 g), it is not only distinguished genetically from the others, but also
by its pale golden to red fur, virtual lack of markings on its head, and consistent absence of a second
upper incisor (Groves 1971, 1998; Ravosa 1998; Chen et al. 2006; Nekaris and Jaffe 2007). Nycticebus
menagensis is very pale with a light contrasting facemask and round or diffuse-edged upper
circumocular patch. Lower circumocular patch is variable and sometimes extends below the zygomatic
arch, it has a narrow interocular stripe, crown patch is mostly diffused, the ears are usually naked, and
the preauricular hair band is variable but mainly wide (Munds et al. 2013).

Assessment Information
Red List Category & Criteria: Vulnerable A2cd+3cd ver 3.1

Year Published: 2020

Date Assessed: November 23, 2015

Justification:
Nycticebus menagensis is listed as Vulnerable as there has been more than 30% reduction suspected in
the species population over three generations (approximately 21-24 years) in the past, and continuing
suspected decline at the same rate based on ongoing extensive harvest of individuals for the pet trade
and extensive habitat loss of more than 15% from burning and conversion of forests to oil palm
plantations over the last decade, and more than 30% over the next 25 years.

Geographic Range

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Range Description:
Nycticebus menagensis seems to be distributed throughout Borneo, and can be sympatric with both N.
kayan and N. borneanus. It occurs, though, largely in the north and east coastal Borneo (Brunei, Sabah,
Sarawak and East Kalimantan) and the southern Philippine Islands (Tawi Tawi, Bongao, Sangasanga, and
perhaps some other small islands in the Sulu Archipelago) (Fooden 1991, Timm and Birney 1992).
Ethnographic survey records suggest local extinction in some islands in the Tawi Tawi group
(Philippines), though the species is still likely to be found on smaller islands (Garcia pers. comm. 2006).

Country Occurrence:
Native, Extant (resident): Brunei Darussalam; Indonesia (Kalimantan); Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak);
Philippines

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Distribution Map

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Population
Based on data collected from researchers in the field and old specimens from museum collections,
Meijaard et al. (2005) suggested that this species is common throughout Borneo. However, loris
"presence" is usually not determined first-hand (Chivers and Burton 1988, Indrawan and Rangkuti 2001),
and it also cannot be presumed that lorises still occur in areas from where they were once collected.
The species actually seems to be very uncommon throughout its range. It has a very limited distribution
in the Philippines (Dagosto and Gebo 1995, Heaney et al. 1998). In Kalimantan, a 3-month survey in a
protected peat swamp forest (Sabangau National Park) revealed very low densities of slow lorises, 0.21 -
0.38 animals/km (Nekaris et al. 2008). When comparing this to other studies of Nycticebus, it seems
clear that this species, when it does occur, is rare. Indeed, in 46,000 trapping nights in Kinabalu National
Park, Wells et al. (2004) trapped this species only three times, and noted that in nocturnal walks over
five years, it was rarely seen. The species was found to occur at an encounter rate of 0.12 individuals/km
at Danau Girang Field Center in Sabah, Malaysia (Munds 2014). Photographs of the species emanate
from Danum Valley, Sabah; Lameg, Sabah; Sepilok Forest Reserve Sabah; Tabin, Sabah; Sungai Wain,
Kalimantan; and Sebakar Sarawak.
Current Population Trend: Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology (see Appendix for additional information)

The species occurs in primary and secondary lowland forest, gardens, and plantations (Payne et al. 1985,
Timm and Birney 1992), at elevations between 35-100 m. The species has also been observed in peat
swamp forests (Blackham 2005).

According to interviews with local people in the Philippines, the species tends to be sighted in citrus
trees (Calamansi) (Garcia pers. comm., 2006) and may be tolerant of a variety of habitats. It is nocturnal,
and almost entirely arboreal. In Sabangau National Park, of four sightings of lorises, 50% contained two
or more individuals, feeding together in the same tree (Callophylum hosei and Szygium cf. nigricans).

Unpublished data from Miard from Sabah and Sarawak indicate that the social organisation of the
species comprises a one male with multi females with offspring. The home range of the species is
around 9 ha. Females give birth to one offspring per year in the wild and care for the offspring for up to
two years before the offspring disperses. The diet of the Philippines slow loris consists primarily of sap,
insects and small vertebrates. They have been observed eating fruits but only on rare occasions. In
Sabah, Stark (unpublished data) found that the Philippine slow loris regularly slept in dense trees
characterised by lianas and climbers, choosing many sleeping trees, reusing them only a few times.

Systems: Terrestrial

Use and Trade

The species is hunted for pet trade locally and nationally.

Threats (see Appendix for additional information)

Burning of habitat and conversion, especially to palm oil plantations, almost certainly represents a
threat to this species. Although it is relatively adaptable to anthropogenic habitats, and so it might less

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affected by forest loss than some other primate species, forest loss has been so severe in the region that
it is likely to have had some negative impacts. The species is collected locally for use as pets; subsequent
uncontrolled release of pets in some areas is also a threat. Captured wild animals are also used as
tourist attraction in some hotels or tourist camps in Borneo (Miard unpublished). Forest fires of 2015 on
Borneo have been the worst since 2004, and acres of forest has been burned, leading to a significant
decrease in the habitat of this species. Lack of law enforcement further threatens slow loris species
across their range (Starr et al. 2010, Nijman et al., 2014).

Conservation Actions (see Appendix for additional information)

This species is included in Appendix I of CITES and is protected by Indonesian, Malaysian, Brunei and
Philippine law. In Indonesia, it is protected by the Act of the Republic of Indonesia No. 5 of 1990
Concerning Conservation of Living Resources and Their Ecosystems which prohibits to catch, injure, kill,
store, possess, nurture, transport and trade protected animals in alive or dead condition. Exceptions
from prohibition can only be made for purpose of research, science, salvage of the animal species or in
case the animal endangers the human life. In Brunei, Wildlife Protection Act (1981) states that slow
lorises are protected species that cannot be hunted without a licence. In Wildlife Sanctuaries shooting,
hunting, killing, capturing or taking any animal is completely prohibited. In Sabah Malaysia, it is a totally
Protected Species as stated on the Wildlife Conservation Act (2010) Act 716. Zoos, commercial captive
breeding, circus, wildlife exhibition, research and hunting of slow lorises needs a special permit. Trading
of individuals or parts of them also needs a special permit. In the Philippines, it is protected by the
Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (2001). Only accredited individuals can possess slow
lorises for scientific, conservation or breeding purposes. Commercial breeding may be allowed if
minimum requirements are provided. Killing wildlife is prohibited unless it is for rituals of indigenous
communities. Trading of wildlife is prohibited. Collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife and derivatives
is prohibited.

Following the description of three new loris species on Borneo, surveys to assess the status of this
species are required. Some forest fragments where the species occur remain protected. There is a
particular need for field guides for this and other nocturnal Indonesian primate species, as they are
often confused in rescue centres and elsewhere. The species occurs in a number of protected areas
throughout its range, though its status there is uncertain (Nekaris et al. 2008). Long-term monitoring of
populations, and increasing available data on the species ecology, behaviour and habitat requirements
should be a top priority for this species.

Credits
Assessor(s): Nekaris, K.A.I., Miard, P. & Streicher, U.

Reviewer(s): Molur, S. & Mittermeier, R.A.

Authority/Authorities: IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group

© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Nycticebus menagensis – published in 2020. 5
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Bibliography
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and Nycticebus coucang menagensis (slow loris) in peat swamp forest, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Cabrera, A. 1908. Sobre los loris, y en especial sobre la forma Filipina. Boletín de la Real Sociedad
Española de Historia Natural. Madrid 8(3): 135–139.

Chasen, F. 1935. On a collection of mammals from the Natuna Islands. Bulletin of the Raffles Museum,
Singapore 10: 5-42.

Chen, J.H., Pan, D., Groves, C., Wang, Y.X., Narushima, E., Fitch-Snyder, H., Crow, P., Thanh, V., Ryder, O.,
Zhang, H.W., Fu, Y. and Zhang, Y. 2006. Molecular phylogeny of Nycticebus inferred from mitochondrial
genes. International Journal of Primatology 27(4): 1187-1200.

Chivers DJ, Burton KM. 1988. Some observations on the primates of Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia.
Primate Conservation 9: 138-146.

Dagosto, M. and Gebo, D. L. 1995. Malagasy and Philippine primates: Similarities and differences in
conservation problems. Sylvatrop, The Philippine Forest Research Journal 5: 49-56.

Fooden, J. 1991. Eastern limit of distribution of the slow loris, Nycticebus coucang. International Journal
of Primatology 12(3): 287-290.

Groves, C. P. 1971. Systematics of the genus Nycticebus. In: J. Biegert and R. W. Leutenegge (eds),
Taxonomy, anatomy, reproduction. Proceedings of the third international congress of primatology, pp.
44-53. S. Karger, Basel, Switzerland.

Groves, C.P. 1998. Systematics of tarsiers and lorises. Primates 39(1): 13-27.

Groves C.P. 2001. Primate Taxonomy. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, USA.

Heaney, L.R., Balete, D.S., Dollar, M.L., Alcala, A.C., Dans, A.T.L., Gonzales, P.C., Ingle, N.R., Lepiten, M.V.,
Oliver, W.L.R., Ong, P.S., Rickart, E.A., Tabaranza Jr., B.R. and Utzurrum, R.C.B. 1998. A synopsis of the
mammalian fauna of the Philippine Islands. Fieldiana: Zoology (New Series) 88: 1–61.

Indrawan, M. and Rangkuti, F. 2001. Status des Natuna-Langurs auf den Natuna-Inseln. ZGAP
Mitteilungen 17(2): 20-21.

IUCN. 2020. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2020-2. Available at: www.iucnredlist.org.
(Accessed: 13 June 2020).

Meijaard, E., Sheil, D., Nasi, R., Augeri, D., Rosenbaum, B., Iskandar, D., Setyawati, T., Lammertink, M.,
Rachmatika, I., Wong, A., Soehartono, T., Stanley, S. and O'Brien, T. 2005. Life after logging: Reconciling
wildlife conservation and production forestry in Indonesian Borneo. Center for International Forestry
Research, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Munds, R.A., Nekaris, K.A.I., Ali, R., Nijman, V., and Goossens, B. 2014. Living together in the night:
abundance and habitat use of sympatric and allopatric populations of slow lorises and tarsiers
(Nycticebus and Tarsius). Endangered Species Research 22: 269-277.

Munds, R.A., Nekaris, K.A.I. and Ford, S.M. 2013. Taxonomy of the Bornean slow loris, with new species
Nycticebus kayan (Primates, Lorisidae). American journal of primatology 75(1): 46-56.

Nekaris, K.A.I. and Jaffe, S. 2007. Unexpected diversity of slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) within the Javan
pet trade: implications for slow loris taxonomy. Contributions to Zoology 76(3): 187-196.

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Nekaris, K.A.I. and Jaffe, S. 2007. Unexpected diversity within the Javan slow loris trade: implications for
slow loris taxonomy. Contributions to Zoology 76: 187-196.

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five nocturnal primate species (Nycticebus spp.) in Asia. Biodversity and Conservation 17(4): 733-747.

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on the China Border. Primate Conservation 28(139-142).

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Society and WWF Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ravosa, M. 1998. Cranial allometry and geographic variation in slow lorises (Nycticebus). American
Journal of Primatology 45: 225-243.

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Universität.

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bengalensis and N. pygmaeus in Cambodia: an impediment to their conservation. Endangered Species
Research 12(1): 17-23.

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menagensis (Lydekker, 1893) (primates, Lorisidae). International Journal of Primatology 13(6): 679–686.

Wells, K., Linsenmair, K.E., Pfeiffer, M. and Lakim, M.B. 2004. Use of arboreal and terrestrial space by a
small mammal community in a tropical rain forest in Borneo, Malaysia. Journal of Biogeography 31: 641-
652.

Citation
Nekaris, K.A.I., Miard, P. & Streicher, U. 2020. Nycticebus menagensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species 2020: e.T163013860A17970781. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-
2.RLTS.T163013860A17970781.en

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External Resources
For Supplementary Material, and for Images and External Links to Additional Information, please see the
Red List website.

© The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Nycticebus menagensis – published in 2020. 7
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 Appendix

Habitats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

Major
Habitat Season Suitability
Importance?

1. Forest -> 1.6. Forest - Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland - Suitable Yes

14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.3. Artificial/Terrestrial - Plantations - Suitable Yes

14. Artificial/Terrestrial -> 14.4. Artificial/Terrestrial - Rural Gardens - Suitable Yes

Use and Trade

(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

End Use Local National International

Pets/display animals, horticulture No No Yes

Threats
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

Threat Timing Scope Severity Impact Score

2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.1. Annual & Ongoing - - Low impact: 3
perennial non-timber crops -> 2.1.3. Agro-industry
farming
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation

2. Agriculture & aquaculture -> 2.2. Wood & pulp Ongoing - - Low impact: 3
plantations -> 2.2.2. Agro-industry plantations
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.1. Ecosystem conversion
1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation

5. Biological resource use -> 5.1. Hunting & trapping Ongoing - - Low impact: 3
terrestrial animals -> 5.1.1. Intentional use (species is
the target)
Stresses: 2. Species Stresses -> 2.1. Species mortality

5. Biological resource use -> 5.3. Logging & wood Ongoing - - Low impact: 3
harvesting -> 5.3.5. Motivation
Unknown/Unrecorded
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation

7. Natural system modifications -> 7.1. Fire & fire Ongoing - - Low impact: 3
suppression -> 7.1.3. Trend Unknown/Unrecorded
Stresses: 1. Ecosystem stresses -> 1.2. Ecosystem degradation

Conservation Actions in Place

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(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

Conservation Action in Place

In-place research and monitoring

Action Recovery Plan: No

Systematic monitoring scheme: No

In-place land/water protection

Conservation sites identified: No

Area based regional management plan: No

Occurs in at least one protected area: Yes

In-place species management

Harvest management plan: No

Successfully reintroduced or introduced benignly: No

Subject to ex-situ conservation: No

In-place education

Subject to recent education and awareness programmes: No

Included in international legislation: Yes

Subject to any international management / trade controls: Yes

Conservation Actions Needed

(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

Conservation Action Needed

1. Land/water protection -> 1.1. Site/area protection

1. Land/water protection -> 1.2. Resource & habitat protection

2. Land/water management -> 2.1. Site/area management

3. Species management -> 3.1. Species management -> 3.1.1. Harvest management

3. Species management -> 3.1. Species management -> 3.1.2. Trade management

4. Education & awareness -> 4.1. Formal education

5. Law & policy -> 5.4. Compliance and enforcement -> 5.4.2. National level

Research Needed
(http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes)

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 Research Needed
1. Research -> 1.2. Population size, distribution & trends

1. Research -> 1.4. Harvest, use & livelihoods

1. Research -> 1.5. Threats

3. Monitoring -> 3.1. Population trends

Additional Data Fields

Distribution
Lower elevation limit (m): 35

Upper elevation limit (m): 700

Population
Continuing decline of mature individuals: Yes

Extreme fluctuations: Unknown

Population severely fragmented: Yes

Continuing decline in subpopulations: Unknown

Extreme fluctuations in subpopulations: Unknown

All individuals in one subpopulation: No

Habitats and Ecology

Continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat: Yes

Generation Length (years): 7-8

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The IUCN Red List Partnership

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ is produced and managed by the IUCN Global Species
Programme, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) and The IUCN Red List Partnership.

The IUCN Red List Partners are: Arizona State University; BirdLife International; Botanic Gardens
Conservation International; Conservation International; NatureServe; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew;
Sapienza University of Rome; Texas A&M University; and Zoological Society of London.

THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES™