A venomous primate feared extinct since the 1930s turns up alive on an Indonesian island
Reuters' story covers how a rescue center, not an expedition, found the Bangka slow loris, plus how its odd venom works.
What happened: The Bangka slow loris was last scientifically recorded around 1930 to 1932. In 2020 the IUCN listed it as critically endangered and possibly extinct. A study in the journal Spixiana, reported by Reuters on Oct. 20, describes how the Indonesian group Alobi Wildlife Rescue Center handled more than 90 of the animals across Bangka between 2015 and 2025. Many were found in houses, gardens, plantations or on roads, some hurt by electrical wires, and 86 were released back into forest.
Why it matters: The animals came from several parts of the island, which suggests the species survived despite tin mining and oil palm clearing. Co-author Timon Glaw says it offers hope that other "lost" species are still out there in places scientists haven't checked for decades.
How much agreement is there? Broad agreement that the find is good news. The study's authors say the next priority is protecting Bangka's remaining forests and running proper field surveys.
Could someone help? Local rescue centers like Alobi are how these animals were found at all; supporting rescue and field-survey work on Bangka is what the authors say is needed.
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Nycticebus bancanus
After exploring Feared extinct, Bangka slow loris primate rediscovered in Indonesia, to see how it became its own species, read Nycticebus bancanus.
The Bangka slow loris is native to southwestern Borneo and Bangka. It was promoted to a full species in 2013 after museum specimens showed distinct facial markings.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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