Believed Extinct Since 1937: 90 Adorable Primates Saved Thanks to Local Efforts

Although the latest scientific observations of the Bangka slow loris date back to the late 1930s, it turns out that this small, endangered primate species is still present on the Indonesian island.

The Return of Nycticebus bancanus

Heavily affected by deforestation, Nycticebus bancanus was listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and until recently presumed extinct. Although a handful of photographs of presumed specimens had been published in recent years on social media, there was no solid scientific proof of its persistence on the island.

Published in the journal Spixiana, the new study reveals that over 90 Bangka slow lorises have been rescued in the last decade. Most were found near inhabited areas, some with severe burns probably caused by contact with power lines.

“Their natural habitat has been drastically reduced due to illegal tin mining and the massive expansion of palm oil plantations,” explains Langka Sani, director of the Alobi Wildlife Rescue Centre. “We are delighted to confirm that the species has not disappeared, but it remains more endangered than ever.”

The rescued primates came from four distinct parts of the island, roughly the size of Corsica, as well as the Pangkal Pinang metropolitan area, suggesting a broader distribution than expected, but also highly fragmented populations. Of the 90 individuals taken in, 86 recovered and were released into forested areas that were still spared.

Feared extinct, Bangka slow loris primate rediscovered in Indonesia https://t.co/tlhphSUmxF https://t.co/tlhphSUmxF

— Reuters (@Reuters) October 21, 2026

Ensuring the species’ long-term survival

For Timon Glaw, co-author of the new study, relocating N. bancanus onto the scientific radar is only the first step.

“We urgently need a long-term conservation strategy based on population censuses, genetic studies, and, above all, the protection of the remaining habitat,” he says.

The team also mentions the possibility of establishing a captive breeding population, as well as extending fieldwork to neighboring islands that might also shelter this tiny creature, which is certainly not a plush toy.

And if you didn’t know, slow lorises are indeed the only venomous primates in the world.