Slow loris rescued from Bandarban's Lama, set to be released into forest

An endangered slow loris, locally known as 'lojjaboti monkey', has been rescued from a residential area in Bandarban's Lama upazila this afternoon (18 July), according to the Forest Department.

The monkey was found at the home Abdul Momen, a resident in Merakhola Muslim Para, Ward 2 of Lama sadar union.

Forest Officer (Lama sadar range) AKM Altaf Hossain told The Business Standard that the rescue was carried out following a tip-off from local journalist Rafiqul Islam.

"The monkey entered the home of Momen last night and was captured and tied in the yard," the officer said.

Altaf added, "Officials from the Lama Forest Department rescued the animal and confirmed it will be safely released into the Matamuhuri Reserve Forest in the district's Alikadam."

Journalist Rafiqul Islam highlighted the ongoing risks faced by these animals, stating, "Due to deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats, slow lorises are venturing into human settlements in search of food and are often killed by locals.

"Protecting these wild animals requires both environmental conservation and raising awareness among local communities," he said.

He added that in April, another slow loris was rescued from the Shilertua area of Rupushipara union in Lama and was released into the deep forest of that region.

Divisional Forest Officer Mostafizur Rahman confirmed that the rescued slow loris is currently in their care and will be released into the Matamuhuri Reserve Forest at an appropriate time.