Considered lost to science since the early 1930s and classified by the IUCN as critically endangered, the Bangka slow lory (Nycticebus bancanus) has sensationally returned to the center of international attention. For almost a century this small primate endemic to the Indonesian island of Bangka, located off the south-eastern coast of Sumatra, had disappeared from researchers’ radars, so much so that it was included among the “most wanted” by Leonardo DiCaprio’s ReWild foundation.
Today new and detailed research published in the scientific journal Spixiana overturns the story, confirming that the species is still alive and widespread across much of the island. The irrefutable proof comes from the recovery of over 90 specimens saved in recent years by the Alobi Foundation, the non-profit organization active in the province of the Bangka-Belitung Islands.
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Between urban gardens and deadly threats
The small primates have begun to make continuous sightings in private gardens, along roads and on high voltage cables, forcing residents to ask for the intervention of the Wildlife Rescue Center managed by Alobi. Experts had to intervene in all 4 areas of the island and in the city of Pangkal Pinang, demonstrating a much wider territorial distribution than expected.
However, behind these rescues lies a dramatic reality: the natural habitat of these animals has been devastated by tin extraction, intensive deforestation for oil palm plantations and the presence of over a million inhabitants with the related infrastructure of roads and power lines. Of the over 90 individuals recovered, 86 specimens were treated and subsequently released into protected forest areas, far from urban dangers.
The lethal poison and the nightmare of illegal trade
One of the most fascinating and unique characteristics among mammals lies in the fact that this primate is venomous: they secrete a toxin from glands under their arms which, mixed with saliva, can trigger serious allergic and potentially lethal reactions in humans, despite serving primarily in intraspecific conflicts or against predators, as explained by researcher Timon Glaw.
Despite the danger and strong chemical defenses, the species constantly ends up in the crosshairs of the illegal animal trade fueled by the ignorance of those who consider them “tender” and the cruelty of poachers. To capture them safely, hunters often use the barbaric practice of pulling out their teeth with pincers. Furthermore, due to dark popular beliefs and black magic practices widespread in several rural areas of Asia, the flesh, eyes and teeth of slow lorises are sought to cure asthma and rheumatism or for love potions. Their survival today represents an unexpected hope for global biodiversity, reminding us how urgent it is to protect what we risk losing forever.
