A medical team from International Animal Rescue (IAR) treated Javan slow lorises, which were confiscated from individuals or markets illegally selling them as pets, before being released at a rescue center in Bogor on December 20, 2016 in West Java, Indonesia. /VCG
A few years ago, some videos of a pet slow loris went viral on Youtube, drawing public attention to the small primate that is only found in Southeast Asia. This exotic pet includes some species that are facing dramatic decline in population, and among them, the Javan slow loris is one of the most endangered.
This slow and adorable small creature is one of the world's 25 most endangered primates. As its name suggests, it is only found on Java Island in Indonesia.
A drawing of a Javan slow loris in 1894. /VCG
With a body length of fewer than 30 centimeters, the Javan slow loris only weighs around 600 grams, about the same weight as a basketball. It moves very slowly, as its name suggests, across vines on trees instead of jumping between branches. However, it is still the largest of the Indonesian slow lorises.
It is usually spotted in pairs or alone. The population density of the Javan slow loris is very low. On average, there are only 0.20 to 0.02 individuals per square kilometer.
A Javan slow loris rescued by International Animal Rescue (IAR) in 2016. /VCG
Although small in size, it produces toxins through glands on the inside of its elbows, and spreads it across its body while grooming. Their painful bites can also be lethal. This is a rare trait among mammals. Lorises are the only venomous primate in the world, which also makes them unsafe as pets.
However, illegal exotic pet trade remains one of the main reasons behind Javan slow lorises' population decline. Besides this, large-scale deforestation in Java has also played an important role in its disappearance. In the past half century, the Javan slow loris has seen a 50 percent fall in population.
A Javan slow loris climbing up a tree after being released in a National Park of Mount Salak by International Animal Rescue (IAR) in 2016. /VCG
Fortunately the local people has realized the importance of protecting this rare species.
Like other primates, it plays a key role in keeping balance in the rain forest ecosystem by spreading seeds and controlling pests.
The Javan slow loris is now protected by Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates wildlife trade, and is protected under Indonesian law and international commercial trading of the species is considered illegal.
The International Animal Rescue of Indonesia is also putting efforts to improve the rehabilitation process of confiscated Javan slow lorises, so that they can be successfully reintroduced to the wild.
Primates in jeopardy
As the most common primate on Earth, homo sapiens share the same order with other 512 species across 93 countries. Non-human primates are our closest relatives on this planet. They play a significant role in various types of ecosystems, from the mysterious tropical forests to the grand African savannas, their intelligence is fascinating and sheds light into studies of human society and behaviors.
However, many species of primates are on the brink of extinction. The series "Primates in jeopardy" is based on the list "World's 25 Most Endangered Primates (2018-2020)" co-published by IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group (PSG), International Primatological Society (IPS), Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC) and Bristol Zoological Society (BZS).
This is the tenth iteration of a biennial listing of a consensus of the 25 primate species considered to be among the most endangered worldwide and the most in need of conservation measures.
(All photos via VCG. Cover image designed by CGTN's Chen Yuyang.)
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