Head to head
Pygmy Slow Loris vs Potto
The pygmy slow loris and the potto are both slow-moving nocturnal primates that rely on stealth rather than speed, but each backs up that slowness with an entirely different defensive weapon, one a venomous bite, the other hidden bony spines along the neck.
| Pygmy Slow Loris | Potto | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Nycticebus pygmaeus | Perodicticus potto |
| Defence | A venomous bite | Sharp bony spines along the neck |
| Movement style | Extremely slow and deliberate | Extremely slow and deliberate |
| Diet | Omnivore | Omnivore |
| Native range | Southeast Asia | West and Central Africa |
| Size | The smallest slow loris species | Not specifically among the smallest |
| Grip strength | Strong | Exceptionally strong, can hold for hours |
| Conservation status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Pygmy Slow Loris vs Potto: common questions
How do the defences of the pygmy slow loris and potto differ?
The pygmy slow loris delivers a genuinely venomous bite by combining saliva with a gland secretion, while the potto instead uses sharp, bony spines hidden along its neck and shoulders to ram and jab at threats.
Do both the pygmy slow loris and potto move slowly?
Yes, both rely on extremely slow, deliberate movement as a primary survival strategy, avoiding detection by predators rather than depending on speed.
Which is more at risk, the pygmy slow loris or the potto?
The pygmy slow loris, which is Vulnerable due to habitat loss and illegal collection, while the potto remains Least Concern and widespread across its African range.