Feared extinct, Bangka slow loris primate rediscovered in Indonesia
BANGKA: The Bangka slow loris is one of Earth’s most exotic primates, a slow-moving tree dweller that happens to be venomous.
The Bangka slow loris, a venomous primate native to the Indonesian island of Bangka, has been rediscovered after being feared extinct for nearly a century. Once listed as critically endangered, the species was last scientifically documented in the 1930s. Scientists from the Haus des Meeres Aqua Terra Zoo in Vienna, Austria, discovered over 90 Bangka slow lorises in recent years, with most being returned to their natural habitat.
The species' survival in multiple areas demonstrates its resilience despite extensive habitat destruction due to tin mining and oil palm plantations. The discovery offers hope that other species once thought extinct may still exist in unexplored regions.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Feared extinct, Bangka slow loris primate rediscovered in Indonesia dailymaverick.co.za
