Golden potto  (Arctocebus aureus)

The main threat to the golden potto is habitat loss, due to logging and cultivation (1) (2). Although still relatively widespread (1), and thought to be too small and cryptic to face much danger from human hunters (4), traps are not selective, meaning the golden potto may be threatened by traps set for other species, particularly in light of its habit of coming down to the ground (7). The opening up of previously inaccessible areas for logging may lead to increased hunting pressure (8), and there may also be indirect effects of poaching of other species; for example, forest elephants help create the areas of secondary growth favoured by the golden potto, and the loss of these elephants may therefore reduce golden potto habitat (7).

The golden potto is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning international trade in the species should be carefully controlled (3). It is also protected by law in Gabon, and is listed under Class B of the African Convention, which only allows it to be legally hunted, killed or captured with special authorisation (1) (9). It is presumed to occur in a number of the new National Parks in Gabon (1), and its ability to live in secondary forest may help the golden potto to survive in habitats that have been disturbed by humans (2). However, the species is difficult to census thoroughly because of its nocturnal and secretive habits, so more research may be needed to fully establish the conservation status and long-term outlook of this poorly known primate (1).