Photo taken by Dr. Karmele
Llano Sánchez of the International Animal Rescue
In
2007, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora listed
slow lorises under Appendix 1, the strictest level of protection provided, which
prohibits international commercial trade of slow lorises. Additionally, in
2010, the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed
all five species of slow loris as either vulnerable or endangered “due to severe and persistent persecution for the pet trade.” But despite
the laws prohibiting the slow loris trade, enforcement of these laws is
lacking, and thousands of slow lorises are still poached from the wild and
illegally sold for the exotic pet trade, for use in traditional medicine, and
as bushmeat (meat from endangered animals).
Standard
practices involve stealing infant slow lorises from their mothers (often resulting
in the death of their mothers), transporting them in poorly ventilated, cramped
wire cages that cut their sensitive hands and feet, and cutting or pulling off
their teeth with nail clippers—a procedure done without anesthetic, to make
them “better” pets. It is not surprising that 76% of captured slow lorises die
from stress, poor nutrition or infection while in transit to pet shops in
Japan and Europe, or to be sold on the streets of Indonesia. But not all slow
lorises are sold as pets. Many are dismembered for use in traditional medicine
as love potions, cures for leprosy, or to ward off evil spirits (note: they
don’t work).
In
2013, three new species of slow loris were distinguished. Two
species—N. bancanus and N. borneanus—had previously been thought
to be subspecies of the Bornean slow loris, and a new species—N. kayan—was discovered. Prior to this
split, Bornean slow lorises were considered “low risk” because they seemed to
be somewhat common due to their broad geographical distribution. However, with
the new knowledge that Bornean slow lorises are actually comprised of four
separate species, they are now known to be at a higher risk of extinction than
originally presumed. Furthermore, accurately identifying distinct species of
slow loris is critical to conservation efforts because it is essential for
rescue centers and confiscation authorities to release them to appropriate
locations.
The
proper understanding of slow loris speciation is just one way scientific
research is key to conservation efforts and developing effective policy. The
first meeting of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform
on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is now
underway in Bonn, Germany. Although the
purpose of this meeting is primarily to agree on rules of procedure for the
platform, it is a significant step toward bridging the gap between science and
policy to preserve biodiversity in terrestrial, marine, coastal, and inland
water ecosystems. Along with improved scientific understanding and increased
public awareness, 2013 could bring some positive changes for our cute,
nocturnal friends and other animals harmed by the illegal wildlife trade.
Written for SIEL by:
Jia Feng, 1L