Cute but venomous animal thought to be extinct resurfaces after nearly 90 years

TAKEAWAYS

• Scientists have rediscovered a cute but deadly creature known as the Bangka Slow Loris, which was once thought to be extinct.
• The Bangka Slow Loris species was last seen in 1937.
• Four distinct species of slow loris vary in size but are all quite small, with a hairy body, round head, short ears and a flat face.
• The Bangka Slow Loris is the only known venomous primate in the world.

BANGKA ISLAND, Indonesia – Scientists have rediscovered a cute but deadly creature known as the Bangka Slow Loris, which was once thought to be extinct.

The Bangka Slow Loris species was last seen in 1937 and is critically endangered, according to authorities.

Four distinct species of slow loris vary in size but are all quite small, with a hairy body, round head, short ears and a flat face.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK REPORTS FIRST CASE OF DEADLY FUNGAL BAT DISEASE

Officials at the Alobi Wildlife Rescue Center rescued more than 90 of these creatures between 2015 and 2025, but they suffered from human activities.

“In addition to expected declines due to habitat destruction, our data suggest that proximity to human settlements and infrastructure, such as roads and power lines, poses a significant threat to Bangka slow lorises,” Spixiana researchers said.

People prepare to release a Bangka slow loris and a pangolin into a forest in Bangka, Indonesia, October 12, 2022. A local wildlife rescue organization released two endangered animals on Wednesday.

(Resha Jauhari/Xinhua/Getty Images)

Wildlife officials captured the animals in different parts of the island, suggesting the species is more widespread than previously thought.

A bangka loris is distinguished by the absence of a second upper incisor, a light-colored face, and a distinct narrow patch of red fur on its back.

Researchers can identify the species by its physical characteristics.

VENOMOUS SPIDERS HAVE A SURPRISING SURVIVAL SECRET THAT SCIENTISTS REPORT

Although not reliably documented, locals have been locating the animal for years around settlements, often rescuing it from roads, fences, and captivity.

These animals are often traded as pets despite the creature’s venomous comb tooth bite.

Photo taken on October 12, 2022 shows a Bangka slow loris released into a forest in Bangka, Indonesia. A local wildlife rescue organization released two endangered animals on Wednesday.

(Resha Jauhari/Xinhua/Getty Images)

The Bangka Slow Loris produces the toxin by licking a gland on the inside of its elbow, the brachial organ, then mixing it with saliva to activate the venom. It is the only known venomous primate.

An animal bite is known to cause pain in humans with symptoms such as burning tongue and throat, hypotension, muscle convulsions, heart and breathing problems, loss of consciousness and even death from anaphylactic shock.

CRITIALLY ENDANGERED RED WOLVES MAKE AN INTERSTATE TRIP IN A RACE TO SAVE SPECIES

These results show that the creature is not extinct, but DNA testing is needed to confirm its species identity and determine how closely related it is to others.