Shillong, June 13: An endangered Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) was rescued from South Garo Hills by local resident Raju R. Marak today.

Marak, hailing from Baghmara, Jongkhol in South Garo Hills, came across two hunters in the Sibbari-Demagre area with their catch of a slow loris and a dead rabbit. On finding that the slow loris was still alive, Marak offered to pay Rs 300 to secure its release.

He took it to conservation NGO Samrakshan Trust’s Baghmara office. Kamal Medhi, spokesperson for Samrakshan, said the forest department had been informed and the rescued animal is currently recovering under their joint care.

Veterinarian Abhijit Bhawal of the rescue and rehabilitation centre, Kaziranga, is overseeing the treatment.

The centre is managed by the Wildlife Trust of India.