# Why are slow lorises endangered?

> Slow lorises are threatened by habitat loss, illegal pet trade, traditional medicine demand and wildlife tourism. Their nocturnal behaviour and cute appearance make them targets for viral videos and trafficking. This answer links the slow loris pet query to the broader conservation picture: habitat, trafficking and tourism.

**Category:** Trafficking  ·  **Updated:** 2026-07-07

## Key takeaways
- Pet trade, habitat loss and medicine demand threaten slow lorises.
- Tooth clipping is a severe cruelty issue.
- Viral videos can increase demand.
- Rehabilitation is specialist and slow.

## Answer
Many slow lorises sold as pets have teeth clipped or pulled to reduce bite risk, causing infection and pain.

Forest loss removes food trees and safe routes between territories.

Rescue centres must treat trauma, quarantine animals and assess whether release is possible.

## Why this question matters
Slow lorises are harmed not only by habitat destruction but by online demand that makes them seem like pets.

## The welfare-first answer
Their nocturnal biology, venomous bite and specialist care needs make captivity for entertainment especially damaging.

## What to do next
Do not engage with pet-style loris content as cute. Report sales and choose education that explains the harm.

## FAQ
### Are all slow lorises endangered?
Different species have different listings, but the group faces serious trade and habitat pressures.

### Why are teeth removed?
Traders clip or pull teeth to reduce bite risk, causing pain and infection.

### Can tourists hold slow lorises ethically?
No. Handling nocturnal wild primates for photos is not ethical.

## Sources
- [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/)
- [CITES — wildlife trade rules](https://cites.org/eng/disc/what.php)

Human-readable page: https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/answers/why-are-slow-lorises-endangered