Venomous primate feared extinct for nearly 90 years rediscovered in Indonesia

A small, nocturnal primate that scientists had not seen since 1937 has been rediscovered in Indonesia, offering new hope for a species threatened by habitat destruction.

The Bangka slow loris (Nycticebus bancanus) is native to the Indonesian islands of Bangka, Sumatra and Kalimantan. Researchers from Austria and Indonesia confirmed the species is still alive after examining records from the Alobi Wildlife Rescue Center, which documented the animals over a decade.

Between 2015 and 2025, more than 90 Bangka slow lorises were brought to the rescue center, and 86 were subsequently released into the wild, according to a study published in the scientific journal Spixiana.

However, the species’ natural habitat has rapidly declined because of tin mining and the clearing of land for oil palm plantations, researchers said.

Small but venomous

The Bangka slow loris is one of the smallest members of its genus, reaching approximately 10 inches in length. It has reddish-brown fur, distinctive facial markings and large eyes adapted to its nocturnal lifestyle.

Unlike other tree-dwelling primates that move quickly through branches, the slow loris travels deliberately through the forest.

Despite its small size, the animal has a potentially dangerous defense mechanism: venom. A gland on the inside of its upper arm produces a secretion that becomes toxic when mixed with saliva. Its bite can trigger severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock.

Research on other slow loris species suggests that venom is used primarily during conflicts with other lorises, although it may also help defend against predators and parasites. The Bangka slow loris is believed to feed on insects, tree resins, nectar and other plant materials.

Habitat protection remains urgent

The rediscovery does not mean the species has recovered. The Bangka slow loris is still considered critically endangered, and researchers say further field studies are needed to establish where it survives and determine the size of its remaining population.

“The most urgent priority is to protect the remaining natural forests on Bangka from further destruction,” said Timon Glaw, one of the study’s authors. He also stressed the need for systematic field research to establish the species’ distribution and population size.

Scientists say protecting the forests that remain will be essential to ensuring the primate’s survival.