GUWAHATI: Forest department personnel recused a slow loris with the help of Village Defence Party (VDP) of Agibamuni village near Jakhalabanda in Nagaon district of Assam on Tuesday after it had fallen from a tree.
After spotting the rare species, local VDP secretary Ainul Seikh and member Rajesh Hanse called up the Aaranyak team based in Kaziranga National Park, who in turn informed the DFO, Nagaon about the spotting of slow loris.
The forest staff from Jakahlabandah Beat Office swung into action and rescued the animal and transshipped it to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre at Borjuri near Kaziranga National Park. The rescued animal is stated to be in healthy condition, but under observation.
The species is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, and is threatened with extinction due to a growing demand in the exotic pet trade and traditional medicine. It is one of the most common animals sold in local animal markets.
Slow loris is nocturnal and arboreal, occurring in both evergreen and deciduous forests. It prefers rain forests with dense canopies, and its presence in its native habitat is indicative of a healthy ecosystem.
Belief among a section of people about medicinal value of slow loris poses great threat to the species. It is used in traditional medicines to treat different ailments.
The wild populations have declined severely over the years and it is locally extinct in several regions because of rampant poaching and illegal logging.
