A venomous primate feared extinct for a century is alive in Indonesia
The Bangka slow loris, last recorded in the 1930s, has been found again, thanks largely to a rescue centre's records.
- Last documented: 1930s
- Rescued 2015–2025: 90+
- Released: 86
What happened
The Bangka slow loris, a venomous primate listed as 'possibly extinct' in 2015 and last documented by Western science in the 1930s, is still living on Bangka Island in Indonesia. A new paper by Austrian and international researchers confirmed it.
Much of the evidence came from the Alobi Wildlife Rescue Center, which rescued more than 90 of the animals between 2015 and 2025.
Why it matters
Alobi released 86 of those lorises back into the wild. Most were found after wandering into gardens, plantations or roads. The records suggest the species lives across more of Bangka than thought, and as one of very few venomous primates it now has a stronger case for protection.
