TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The decreased number of the Javan Slow Loris is caused by the increased number of illegal poaching. There were too many bamboo loggings without any replanting. "So, the Slow Loris's habitat has decreased," said Denise Spaan, the Little Fireface Project's field coordinator, during a weekly discussion at the Bandung Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) secretariat this weekend.
She said the animals that are nicknamed "Si Malu-Malu" (the Shy Ones), live in bamboo trees. The primates move from one tree to another with their hands. If they have to descend onto the land, they immediately run quickly like rats.
The animals that have 20 to 25 year life-spans are viewed to be unable to live long on the land. "Fortunately, they have good camouflage system that resembles bamboos and its leaves," she explained.
Based on research by professor Anna Nekaris, the project's Primate Conservation Manager, the Slow Loris is close of being endangered since November 2013. The case is supported by International data from the Union for Conservation of Nature, which states that the Javan Slow Loris is on their red list.
FATHIMAH SALMA ZAHIRAH