Manipur: Wildlife enthusiasts rescue endangered slow loris
Imphal: A team of wildlife volunteers in Manipur successfully rescued a Slow Loris, one of the world's most critically endangered primates, according to reports on Friday.
The slow-moving animal was spotted by members of the Philanthropic Club, Bishnupur, and Aranbai Tengol Unit in the wetland area of Hayaikol village in Bishnupur district, on Thursday evening around 8:30 pm. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the volunteers swiftly intervened to secure the primate's safety.
On Friday, the rescued Slow Loris, locally known as Yong Ikhai Thibi, was promptly handed over to officials of the Bishnupur district Forest department of Manipur government. This ensures the animal receives proper care and protection within the expertise of wildlife professionals.
The Slow Loris holds legal protection in India under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. This act prohibits hunting, capturing, killing, or selling these fascinating creatures.
Found throughout the northeastern Indian states of Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura, the Slow Loris is the only nocturnal primate in the region.
Its range extends beyond India, with sightings reported in parts of Yunnan and southwest Guangxi in China and the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh.