Towards a successful translocation of captive slow lorises (Nycticebus spp.) in Borneo: a review and recommendations

Abstract

Wildlife in Southeast Asia is under threat mainly due to habitat loss and the illegal animal trade. Wild animals are rescued by wildlife centres and the slow loris (Nycticebus spp.) is one of them. After rehabilitation slow lorises are released into the wild and on average 26% is observed alive after at least ten weeks.\n\nThe IUCN has established conditions under which captive wild animals can be translocated into their natural habitat. This review paper aims to give an overview of what has been published on release programs of captive slow lorises in order to improve translocations in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Five documented studies on translocation of slow lorises are summarised. I concentrated on: (1) species of captive slow loris, (2) health check, (3) pre-release habituation, (4) soft or hard release, (5) pre and post-release behavioural observations, (6) assessment of the release area: predators, habitat and protection. The recommendations for future releases are: (1) Study which slow loris species are rehabilitated in Bornean wildlife centres. (2) Study the behaviour of captive slow lorises. (3) Assess the slow loris species in the release area. (4) Study the behaviour and habitat use of the wild population. (5) Assess what predators are present in the release area.