Injured endangered slow loris rescued in Khagrachhari

An injured slow loris was rescued by the Forest Department from a residential area in Khagrachhari's Matiranga upazila.

The animal was recovered last night (5 May) from the Shantipur area of Gomti union after locals informed authorities, Forest guard Md Hasan of the Matiranga Forest Department confirmed.

Hasan said, "Locals in the Shantipur area saw the slow loris lying injured and informed us. We then rescued it from the spot. There are injury marks on its body and eyes."

He further said that the animal was given initial treatment this morning (6 May). "However, as there was no adequate shelter at the forest office, it was shifted to the Pittachhara area for safe care. It will later be brought back for further treatment."

Khagrachhari Divisional Forest Officer Farid Mia said, "Treatment of the animal is ongoing. We are making our best efforts to help it recover. Once fully healthy, it will be released into a suitable forest habitat."

Mahfuz Russell, founder of the Pittachhara Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Initiative, told The Business Standard that rescued injured wildlife are first taken to veterinary clinics where experienced professionals provide necessary treatment. 

"Once fully recovered, the animals are released into their natural habitat following advice from veterinarians and wildlife experts," he added.

Mahfuz further said animals that cannot be directly released into the wild are kept in rehabilitation centres and gradually acclimatised to forest environments.

Forest officials said the slow loris is a protected species and is listed as "Endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

This nocturnal animal is generally found in the forested areas of the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.