A pygmy slow loris clings to a branch at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam. This species of loris--which weighs about 1 pound--lives in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. There are about 25 species of loris worldwide. All have extremely strong fingers and toes, which they use to grasp tree branches. Lorises are also poisonous: They can secrete a powerful histamine (sort of like super concentrated cat dander) when threatened.

Credit: Mary E. Blair, American Museum of Natural History

Community members from Bu La village draw maps of Vietnam's Bu Gia Map National Park. The maps identify where they've seen lorises, and where they think the best habitat is for them in the park. This activity was part of an event to raise awareness about slow loris conservation.

Credit: Thach Mai Hoang

The research team organizes its field activities. From left: Toai Nguyen, Khuong Huu Thang, Duong Thuy Ha and Mary Blair.

Credit: Thach Mai Hoang

The characteristic eyeshine of a pygmy slow loris. This is what the researchers are looking for in their night surveys. This loris was in Vietnam's Bu Gia Map National Park.

Credit: Mary E. Blair, American Museum of Natural History

A pygmy slow loris occupies its natural habitat in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. Lorises are listed as a "vulnerable" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, which means the population is declining. They are threatened by the illegal exotic pet trade, habitat loss and hunting, for both food and traditional medicine.

Credit: Thach Mai Hoang