International Slow Loris Day is just around the corner, and International Animal Rescue (IAR) is proud to highlight the positive impact of its partner YIARI’s dedicated efforts to protect one of the world’s most vulnerable creatures – the slow loris. This day, observed on September 13th, aims to raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade and the ongoing work to rescue, rehabilitate, and release these primates back into their natural habitats.
The slow loris, particularly the Critically Endangered Javan slow loris and the Endangered greater slow loris, is one of the most trafficked species due to their small size and adorable appearance. The illegal pet trade has had devastating consequences for their survival, making International Slow Loris Day an important occasion to shed light on their plight and inspire global action.
For the past decade, IAR has been supporting YIARI in implementing a successful “Triangle Approach” to combat the illegal wildlife trade from multiple angles. This approach includes funding for law enforcement, establishing sanctuaries for rescued animals, and conducting widespread education and awareness campaigns. As a result, the initiative has made significant progress in reducing the trade of slow lorises and has provided a sanctuary for over 1,000 rescued animals, with 670 already reintroduced into the wild.
According to IAR’s CEO, Gavin Bruce, “Our support for YIARI’s efforts has resulted in tangible progress in the fight against the illegal trade of slow lorises. However, our work doesn’t stop here. On this International Slow Loris Day, we aim to raise awareness and inspire action to protect these amazing creatures and their habitats. The success of our rescue and release efforts, along with growing community support, shows that change is possible.”
Aside from their work in Java, YIARI’s team has also expanded their efforts to Batutegi Forest in Sumatra, where their conservation program has yielded impressive results. Since 2008, the team has been working to reintroduce rehabilitated Sumatran slow lorises into the forest, building strong relationships with local communities and teaching sustainable farming techniques to protect the forest and improve crop yields.
The positive impact of this collaboration is evident, as forest loss has decreased, and local crime rates associated with illegal activities in the forest have shown signs of reduction. YIARI has also engaged local children in educational programs to foster a deeper connection to their environment, ensuring future generations are invested in conservation.
In July 2024, YIARI, in partnership with West Java and Sumatra forestry agencies, successfully reintroduced 28 primates, including 4 Javan slow lorises, into the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. These animals, which had undergone years of rehabilitation, were first placed in habituation cages to acclimate to their surroundings before being released.
Gavin Bruce emphasized the crucial role of community involvement in this success: “The release would not have been possible without the goodwill and cooperation of the local communities. Their support, along with generous contributions from our donors, has given these animals a second chance at life in the wild.”
International Slow Loris Day is not only a day to celebrate progress but also a call to action for the global community. By raising awareness about the illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and the ethical treatment of animals, we can continue to drive positive change for slow lorises and the ecosystems they inhabit.
“Through our partnership with YIARI, the work we’re doing to protect slow lorises goes beyond saving a species; it’s about preserving entire ecosystems and ensuring a more sustainable future for the planet,” said Gavin Bruce. “We invite everyone to join us in this mission – whether through donations, advocacy, or education. Together, we can secure a brighter future for these captivating creatures.”
To learn more about the conservation of slow lorises or to support these efforts, please visit International Animal Rescue at https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/projects/slow-loris. This news story was distributed by pressat.co.uk.