Wildlife Conservation Cambodia Project #16220

Protect the Rare and Endangered Slow Loris

A microproject by Wildlife Alliance

Project Report | Aug 11, 2014
Thank You for Helping Us Protect Slow Lorises!

By Sheena Thiruselvan | Communications Associate

The infant pygmy slow loris rescued in Mondulkiri

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the amazing donors that helped fund our campaign to protect the slow loris. Thanks to your generosity and kindness, we will be able to provide these rescued animals with the care they need in the hopes that one day they may be able to be released back into the wild. Since reaching our goal, there have been several new developments that have made this project even more important.

In April, an infant pygmy slow loris was rescued from the province of Mondulkiri. This orphaned loris, standing at a mere 3.5 inches in height, came to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC) weak and helpless. He required special attention and was given round the clock care at the nursery during this critical time. We’re happy to report that he has grown stronger over the past few months and is adjusting well to his new home.

On May 28th, our family of slow lorises continued to grow with the birth of another pygmy slow loris. Traumatic experiences while being trafficked can make these highly sensitive primates difficult to keep in captivity, so the birth of the pygmy slow loris is a testament to the excellent care the dedicated staff provides for the animals. This young slow loris is doing well and is being raised by its mother – making it an excellent candidate for future release!

Your gift has been vital for providing these new arrivals with the best possible care, and we hope you’ll continue to help us make a difference by supporting our campaign to Stop Bear Trafficking in Cambodia. Sun bears and other Asian bear species are being brutally targeted by poachers in Cambodia for their body parts, and with your help we hope to drive down this insidious trade. Learn more about bear trafficking and how you can help Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team prevent these animals from going extinct here.

This pygmy slow loris will only grow to be 7"- 9"

Links:

Help Stop Bear Trafficking

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Feb 12, 2014
The Slow Loris: Earth's only Venomous Primate

By Sheena Thiruselvan | Development Associate

They have human-like hands with an opposable thumb

Slow lorises are primates native to South and Southeast Asia. There are five species of slow loris but the Sunda slow loris (Nycticebus coucang) and the pygmy slow loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus) are the ones most often found in Cambodia. The slow loris has a round head with short ears and large, forward-facing eyes, which reflect light, giving off a brilliant orange-red “eyeshine” at night. These shy nocturnal animals live in trees, and are the only existing venomous primate. They produce a toxin in glands located on their elbows, which when mixed with their saliva, produces a toxic bite. Omnivorous creatures, slow lorises feed on fruit, tree gum, insects, eggs, lizards, birds, and even small mammals. While they may look slow, they are actually capable of short bursts of speed, often springing forward to catch insects with both hands.

The primate, whose big eyes and timid demeanor has garnered it internet fame and media attention, is now threatened with extinction as they become increasingly popular as pets. Listed by the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable, their populations are expected to decline another 30% in the next 22 years. When captured by poachers and traders, they are often stuffed in crowded cages and exposed to hours of daylight; their teeth are painfully clipped off using nail cutters, a procedure that more than 90% of the time leads to infection and death. Used as medicine, their bodies are then spread into a crucifiction position and smoked. Wildlife Alliance’s Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT) has confiscated and rescued hundreds of these small mammals from markets where they are sold as either pets or traditional medicine.

At Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC), Wildlife Alliance cares for 16 slow lorises, all of which were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. $2,000 will provide these sensitive primates with a year’s supply of food, fresh water and medical treatment.Your gift will ensure they receive the proper care they need to not only recover, but thrive so that one day they may be fit for release. Help us raise $2,000 to protect Earth’s only venomous primate. Donate this Bonus Day and make your gift go even further!

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