🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 12 (from laksa106)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa012.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://phys.org/news/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://phys.org/news/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html","crawl_time":1775771415,"first_indexed_time":1772061237,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,phys!\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html s443","src_root_hash":"5200908481159124812","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals","meta_descriptions":["A new study has found that the wild can be a \"death trap\" for animals that are released from captivity after previously being rescued. The research, published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation, involved Anglia Ruskin University primatologist Professor Anna Nekaris OBE and colleagues from the NGO Plumploris e.V. and the University of Western Australia, who studied the outcome of Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) released in Bangladesh."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Nishat, one of the two Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) to survive being released. Credit: Marcel Stawinoga\nA new study has found that the wild can be a \"death trap\" for animals that are released from captivity after previously being rescued. The research, published in the journal\nGlobal Ecology and Conservation\n, involved Anglia Ruskin University primatologist Professor Anna Nekaris OBE and colleagues from the NGO Plumploris e.V. and the University of Western Australia, who studied the outcome of Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) released in Bangladesh.\nSlow lorises, with their large eyes and \"cute\" appearance, are one of the world's most trafficked primates and are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade.\nThe International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies all slow loris species as either Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable, which also makes them a popular species for rescue and release projects.\nHowever, this new study indicates that well-intentioned releases can be fatal for these small, nocturnal primates. Using radio collars, the researchers tracked the progress of nine animals released in a national park in northeastern Bangladesh, which is a site that has been used for previous releases.\nOut of the nine Bengal slow lorises released into the forest, only two survived. Three animals died within just 10 days, and another four within six months. Of the seven that died, the bodies of four were recovered and all had been fatally attacked by other slow lorises.\nSlow lorises are highly territorial and are the world's only venomous primate, possessing sharp teeth used to inject their venom. The recovered animals showed clear bite wounds to the head, face, and digits, indicating that territorial conflicts led to their deaths.\nThe study also found that lorises that spent longer in captivity prior to release survived for fewer days in the wild and that the released lorises showed elevated levels of movement and alertness compared to that typically displayed by wild Bengal slow lorises.\nThe two individuals that survived had a greater range compared to those that died, suggesting their success depended on moving away from established territories of other slow lorises and avoiding attack.\nUnlike larger, more \"charismatic\" species such as big cats, which are typically closely monitored after release, the study highlights how the fate of the majority of species released back into the wild often goes unreported.\nThe researchers highlight the importance of thoroughly understanding the suitability of both the release site and the animal being released, with site assessments, long-term monitoring, and species-specific rehabilitation guidelines necessary for effective releases.\nSenior author Anna Nekaris OBE, Professor of Ecology, Conservation and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, and head of the Little Fireface Project, said, \"It's assumed that returning confiscated or rescued animals to the wild is always a positive conservation story. Our research shows that for highly territorial species like slow lorises, releasing them into areas that are already densely populated can be a death trap.\n\"Many rescued endangered species are often released because the public expects it, but for animals such as the Bengal slow loris, this is not always the best course of action. Without fully understanding the animal's behavior, its time spent in captivity, and the density of resident populations at the release site, reintroductions may do more harm than good.\"\nLead author Hassan Al-Razi, the team leader of Plumploris e.V. Bangladesh, said, \"Rescue and release have become an increasingly common practice in Bangladesh. Many wild animals, including slow lorises, are rescued and subsequently released back into the wild.\n\"However, in many cases, these releases are conducted inappropriately. For forest-dwelling species, release sites are often selected based on logistical convenience rather than ecological suitability. As a result, certain forests have effectively become dumping grounds for rescued animals and are no longer appropriate release sites.\n\"Although our research has focused on the Bengal slow loris and demonstrated the consequences of such practices, we believe similar patterns likely affect many other species.\"\nPublication details\nA new home is a death trap: Reinforcement at a translocation release site leads to fatalities in an endangered primate species,\nGlobal Ecology and Conservation\n(2026).\nDOI: 10.1016\/j.gecco.2026.e04072\nCitation\n:\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals (2026, February 25)\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tretrieved 9 April 2026\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tfrom https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html\nThis document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.","attrs_markdown":"[![Phys.org](https:\/\/phys.b-cdn.net\/tmpl\/v6\/img\/logo-header.png)](https:\/\/phys.org\/)\n\nTopics\n\n- [Week's top](https:\/\/phys.org\/weekly-news\/)\n- [Latest news](https:\/\/phys.org\/latest-news\/)\n- [Unread news](https:\/\/phys.org\/unread-news\/)\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html)\n### Science X Account\n\n- [Nanotechnology](https:\/\/phys.org\/nanotech-news\/)\n- [Physics](https:\/\/phys.org\/physics-news\/)\n- [Earth](https:\/\/phys.org\/earth-news\/)\n- [Astronomy & Space](https:\/\/phys.org\/space-news\/)\n- [Chemistry](https:\/\/phys.org\/chemistry-news\/)\n- [Biology](https:\/\/phys.org\/biology-news\/)\n- [Other Sciences](https:\/\/phys.org\/science-news\/)\n- [![Medical Xpress](https:\/\/phys.b-cdn.net\/tmpl\/v6\/img\/MedicalXpress2.svg) Medicine](https:\/\/medicalxpress.com\/)\n- [![Tech Xplore](https:\/\/phys.b-cdn.net\/tmpl\/v6\/img\/techX_w.svg) Technology](https:\/\/techxplore.com\/)\n\n- share this\\!\n- [Share]()\n- [Tweet](https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html)\n- [Share](https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html)\n- [Email](mailto:)\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/phys.org\/)\n2. [Biology](https:\/\/phys.org\/biology-news\/)\n3. [Plants & Animals](https:\/\/phys.org\/biology-news\/plants-animals\/)\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/phys.org\/)\n2. [Biology](https:\/\/phys.org\/biology-news\/)\n3. [Ecology](https:\/\/phys.org\/biology-news\/ecology\/)\n***\nFebruary 25, 2026\n\n# The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals\nby [Anglia Ruskin University](https:\/\/www.anglia.ac.uk\/)\n\nedited by [Sadie Harley](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/editorial-team\/), reviewed by [Robert Egan](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/editorial-team\/)\n\n[Editors' notes]()\n\nThis article has been reviewed according to Science X's [editorial process](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/editorial-process\/) and [policies](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/editorial-standards\/). [Editors](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/editorial-team\/) have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:\n\nfact-checked\n\npeer-reviewed publication\n\ntrusted source\n\nproofread\n\n[The GIST]()\n\n[Add as preferred source](https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https%3A%2F%2Fphys.org%2F)\n***\n\n![The wild can be 'death trap' for rescued animals](https:\/\/scx1.b-cdn.net\/csz\/news\/800a\/2026\/the-wild-can-be-death.jpg)\n\nNishat, one of the two Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) to survive being released. Credit: Marcel Stawinoga\n\nA new study has found that the wild can be a \"death trap\" for animals that are released from captivity after previously being rescued. The research, published in the journal *Global Ecology and Conservation*, involved Anglia Ruskin University primatologist Professor Anna Nekaris OBE and colleagues from the NGO Plumploris e.V. and the University of Western Australia, who studied the outcome of Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) released in Bangladesh.\n\nSlow lorises, with their large eyes and \"cute\" appearance, are one of the world's most trafficked primates and are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade.\n\nThe International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies all slow loris species as either Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable, which also makes them a popular species for rescue and release projects.\n\nHowever, this new study indicates that well-intentioned releases can be fatal for these small, nocturnal primates. Using radio collars, the researchers tracked the progress of nine animals released in a national park in northeastern Bangladesh, which is a site that has been used for previous releases.\n\nOut of the nine Bengal slow lorises released into the forest, only two survived. Three animals died within just 10 days, and another four within six months. Of the seven that died, the bodies of four were recovered and all had been fatally attacked by other slow lorises.\n\nSlow lorises are highly territorial and are the world's only venomous primate, possessing sharp teeth used to inject their venom. The recovered animals showed clear bite wounds to the head, face, and digits, indicating that territorial conflicts led to their deaths.\n\nThe study also found that lorises that spent longer in captivity prior to release survived for fewer days in the wild and that the released lorises showed elevated levels of movement and alertness compared to that typically displayed by wild Bengal slow lorises.\n\nThe two individuals that survived had a greater range compared to those that died, suggesting their success depended on moving away from established territories of other slow lorises and avoiding attack.\n\nUnlike larger, more \"charismatic\" species such as big cats, which are typically closely monitored after release, the study highlights how the fate of the majority of species released back into the wild often goes unreported.\n\nThe researchers highlight the importance of thoroughly understanding the suitability of both the release site and the animal being released, with site assessments, long-term monitoring, and species-specific rehabilitation guidelines necessary for effective releases.\n\nSenior author Anna Nekaris OBE, Professor of Ecology, Conservation and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, and head of the Little Fireface Project, said, \"It's assumed that returning confiscated or rescued animals to the wild is always a positive conservation story. Our research shows that for highly territorial species like slow lorises, releasing them into areas that are already densely populated can be a death trap.\n\n\"Many rescued endangered species are often released because the public expects it, but for animals such as the Bengal slow loris, this is not always the best course of action. Without fully understanding the animal's behavior, its time spent in captivity, and the density of resident populations at the release site, reintroductions may do more harm than good.\"\n\nDiscover the latest in science, tech, and space with over **100,000 subscribers** who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our [free newsletter](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/newsletter\/) and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter—**daily or weekly**.\n\nLead author Hassan Al-Razi, the team leader of Plumploris e.V. Bangladesh, said, \"Rescue and release have become an increasingly common practice in Bangladesh. Many wild animals, including slow lorises, are rescued and subsequently released back into the wild.\n\n\"However, in many cases, these releases are conducted inappropriately. For forest-dwelling species, release sites are often selected based on logistical convenience rather than ecological suitability. As a result, certain forests have effectively become dumping grounds for rescued animals and are no longer appropriate release sites.\n\n\"Although our research has focused on the Bengal slow loris and demonstrated the consequences of such practices, we believe similar patterns likely affect many other species.\"\n\n###### Publication details\nA new home is a death trap: Reinforcement at a translocation release site leads to fatalities in an endangered primate species, *Global Ecology and Conservation* (2026). [DOI: 10.1016\/j.gecco.2026.e04072](https:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1016\/j.gecco.2026.e04072)\n\n**Journal information:** [Global Ecology and Conservation](https:\/\/phys.org\/journals\/global-ecology-conservation\/)\n\n###### Key concepts\n[**animal behavior**](https:\/\/phys.org\/concepts\/animal-behavior\/)\n\nProvided by [Anglia Ruskin University](https:\/\/phys.org\/partners\/anglia-ruskin-university\/)\n\n**Citation**: The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals (2026, February 25) retrieved 9 April 2026 from https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html\n\nThis document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. 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[Full disclaimer](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/ai-disclaimer\/)\n##### Let us know if there is a problem with our content\n###### E-mail the story\n##### The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals\n\n#### Donate and enjoy an ad-free experience\nWe keep our content available to everyone. Consider supporting Science X's mission by getting a premium account.\n\n[Remove ads](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/donate\/?utm_source=phys&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popup)\n\n[Maybe later](https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html)\n\n[![Medical Xpress](https:\/\/phys.b-cdn.net\/tmpl\/v6\/img\/MedicalXpress.svg) Medical Xpress Medical research advances and health news](https:\/\/medicalxpress.com\/)\n\n[![Tech Xplore](https:\/\/phys.b-cdn.net\/tmpl\/v6\/img\/techexploer.svg) Tech Xplore The latest engineering, electronics and technology advances](https:\/\/techxplore.com\/)\n\n[![Science X](https:\/\/phys.b-cdn.net\/tmpl\/v6\/img\/ScienceX.svg) Science X The most comprehensive sci-tech news coverage on the web](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/)\n\n## Newsletters\n## Follow us\n\n- [Top](https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html)\n- [Home](https:\/\/phys.org\/)\n- [Search](https:\/\/phys.org\/search\/)\n- [Mobile version](https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html?deviceType=mobile)\n\n- [Help](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/)\n- [FAQ](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/contactus\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/about-us\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/feedback\/)\n\n- [Support us](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/donate\/)\n- [Science X Account](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/profile\/)\n- [Archive](https:\/\/phys.org\/archive\/)\n- [News wire](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/wire-news\/)\n\n- [Android app](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.PhysOrg.RssLite)\n- [iOS app](https:\/\/itunes.apple.com\/us\/app\/phys-org\/id356443503?mt=8)\n- [RSS feeds](https:\/\/phys.org\/feeds\/)\n- [Push notification]()\n\n© Phys.org 2003 - 2026 powered by [Science X Network](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/)\n\n[Privacy policy](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/privacy\/) [Terms of use](https:\/\/sciencex.com\/help\/terms\/)\n\n#### E-mail newsletter\n#### Follow us\n\n![Quantcast](https:\/\/pixel.quantserve.com\/pixel\/p-5dNhPAnM9r0yY.gif)","attrs_readable_markdown":"![The wild can be 'death trap' for rescued animals](https:\/\/scx1.b-cdn.net\/csz\/news\/800a\/2026\/the-wild-can-be-death.jpg)\n\nNishat, one of the two Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) to survive being released. Credit: Marcel Stawinoga\n\nA new study has found that the wild can be a \"death trap\" for animals that are released from captivity after previously being rescued. The research, published in the journal *Global Ecology and Conservation*, involved Anglia Ruskin University primatologist Professor Anna Nekaris OBE and colleagues from the NGO Plumploris e.V. and the University of Western Australia, who studied the outcome of Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) released in Bangladesh.\n\nSlow lorises, with their large eyes and \"cute\" appearance, are one of the world's most trafficked primates and are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade.\n\nThe International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies all slow loris species as either Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable, which also makes them a popular species for rescue and release projects.\n\nHowever, this new study indicates that well-intentioned releases can be fatal for these small, nocturnal primates. Using radio collars, the researchers tracked the progress of nine animals released in a national park in northeastern Bangladesh, which is a site that has been used for previous releases.\n\nOut of the nine Bengal slow lorises released into the forest, only two survived. Three animals died within just 10 days, and another four within six months. Of the seven that died, the bodies of four were recovered and all had been fatally attacked by other slow lorises.\n\nSlow lorises are highly territorial and are the world's only venomous primate, possessing sharp teeth used to inject their venom. The recovered animals showed clear bite wounds to the head, face, and digits, indicating that territorial conflicts led to their deaths.\n\nThe study also found that lorises that spent longer in captivity prior to release survived for fewer days in the wild and that the released lorises showed elevated levels of movement and alertness compared to that typically displayed by wild Bengal slow lorises.\n\nThe two individuals that survived had a greater range compared to those that died, suggesting their success depended on moving away from established territories of other slow lorises and avoiding attack.\n\nUnlike larger, more \"charismatic\" species such as big cats, which are typically closely monitored after release, the study highlights how the fate of the majority of species released back into the wild often goes unreported.\n\nThe researchers highlight the importance of thoroughly understanding the suitability of both the release site and the animal being released, with site assessments, long-term monitoring, and species-specific rehabilitation guidelines necessary for effective releases.\n\nSenior author Anna Nekaris OBE, Professor of Ecology, Conservation and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, and head of the Little Fireface Project, said, \"It's assumed that returning confiscated or rescued animals to the wild is always a positive conservation story. Our research shows that for highly territorial species like slow lorises, releasing them into areas that are already densely populated can be a death trap.\n\n\"Many rescued endangered species are often released because the public expects it, but for animals such as the Bengal slow loris, this is not always the best course of action. Without fully understanding the animal's behavior, its time spent in captivity, and the density of resident populations at the release site, reintroductions may do more harm than good.\"\n\nLead author Hassan Al-Razi, the team leader of Plumploris e.V. Bangladesh, said, \"Rescue and release have become an increasingly common practice in Bangladesh. Many wild animals, including slow lorises, are rescued and subsequently released back into the wild.\n\n\"However, in many cases, these releases are conducted inappropriately. For forest-dwelling species, release sites are often selected based on logistical convenience rather than ecological suitability. As a result, certain forests have effectively become dumping grounds for rescued animals and are no longer appropriate release sites.\n\n\"Although our research has focused on the Bengal slow loris and demonstrated the consequences of such practices, we believe similar patterns likely affect many other species.\"\n\n###### Publication details\nA new home is a death trap: Reinforcement at a translocation release site leads to fatalities in an endangered primate species, *Global Ecology and Conservation* (2026). [DOI: 10.1016\/j.gecco.2026.e04072](https:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1016\/j.gecco.2026.e04072)\n\n**Citation**: The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals (2026, February 25) retrieved 9 April 2026 from https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html\n\nThis document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. 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Meta Title	The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals
Meta Description	A new study has found that the wild can be a "death trap" for animals that are released from captivity after previously being rescued. The research, published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation, involved Anglia Ruskin University primatologist Professor Anna Nekaris OBE and colleagues from the NGO Plumploris e.V. and the University of Western Australia, who studied the outcome of Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) released in Bangladesh.
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Boilerpipe Text	Nishat, one of the two Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) to survive being released. Credit: Marcel Stawinoga A new study has found that the wild can be a "death trap" for animals that are released from captivity after previously being rescued. The research, published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation , involved Anglia Ruskin University primatologist Professor Anna Nekaris OBE and colleagues from the NGO Plumploris e.V. and the University of Western Australia, who studied the outcome of Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) released in Bangladesh. Slow lorises, with their large eyes and "cute" appearance, are one of the world's most trafficked primates and are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies all slow loris species as either Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable, which also makes them a popular species for rescue and release projects. However, this new study indicates that well-intentioned releases can be fatal for these small, nocturnal primates. Using radio collars, the researchers tracked the progress of nine animals released in a national park in northeastern Bangladesh, which is a site that has been used for previous releases. Out of the nine Bengal slow lorises released into the forest, only two survived. Three animals died within just 10 days, and another four within six months. Of the seven that died, the bodies of four were recovered and all had been fatally attacked by other slow lorises. Slow lorises are highly territorial and are the world's only venomous primate, possessing sharp teeth used to inject their venom. The recovered animals showed clear bite wounds to the head, face, and digits, indicating that territorial conflicts led to their deaths. The study also found that lorises that spent longer in captivity prior to release survived for fewer days in the wild and that the released lorises showed elevated levels of movement and alertness compared to that typically displayed by wild Bengal slow lorises. The two individuals that survived had a greater range compared to those that died, suggesting their success depended on moving away from established territories of other slow lorises and avoiding attack. Unlike larger, more "charismatic" species such as big cats, which are typically closely monitored after release, the study highlights how the fate of the majority of species released back into the wild often goes unreported. The researchers highlight the importance of thoroughly understanding the suitability of both the release site and the animal being released, with site assessments, long-term monitoring, and species-specific rehabilitation guidelines necessary for effective releases. Senior author Anna Nekaris OBE, Professor of Ecology, Conservation and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, and head of the Little Fireface Project, said, "It's assumed that returning confiscated or rescued animals to the wild is always a positive conservation story. Our research shows that for highly territorial species like slow lorises, releasing them into areas that are already densely populated can be a death trap. "Many rescued endangered species are often released because the public expects it, but for animals such as the Bengal slow loris, this is not always the best course of action. Without fully understanding the animal's behavior, its time spent in captivity, and the density of resident populations at the release site, reintroductions may do more harm than good." Lead author Hassan Al-Razi, the team leader of Plumploris e.V. Bangladesh, said, "Rescue and release have become an increasingly common practice in Bangladesh. Many wild animals, including slow lorises, are rescued and subsequently released back into the wild. "However, in many cases, these releases are conducted inappropriately. For forest-dwelling species, release sites are often selected based on logistical convenience rather than ecological suitability. As a result, certain forests have effectively become dumping grounds for rescued animals and are no longer appropriate release sites. "Although our research has focused on the Bengal slow loris and demonstrated the consequences of such practices, we believe similar patterns likely affect many other species." Publication details A new home is a death trap: Reinforcement at a translocation release site leads to fatalities in an endangered primate species, Global Ecology and Conservation (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04072 Citation : The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals (2026, February 25) retrieved 9 April 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
Markdown	[![Phys.org](https://phys.b-cdn.net/tmpl/v6/img/logo-header.png)](https://phys.org/) Topics - [Week's top](https://phys.org/weekly-news/) - [Latest news](https://phys.org/latest-news/) - [Unread news](https://phys.org/unread-news/) - [Subscribe](https://phys.org/news/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html) ### Science X Account - [Nanotechnology](https://phys.org/nanotech-news/) - [Physics](https://phys.org/physics-news/) - [Earth](https://phys.org/earth-news/) - [Astronomy & Space](https://phys.org/space-news/) - [Chemistry](https://phys.org/chemistry-news/) - [Biology](https://phys.org/biology-news/) - [Other Sciences](https://phys.org/science-news/) - [![Medical Xpress](https://phys.b-cdn.net/tmpl/v6/img/MedicalXpress2.svg) Medicine](https://medicalxpress.com/) - [![Tech Xplore](https://phys.b-cdn.net/tmpl/v6/img/techX_w.svg) Technology](https://techxplore.com/) - share this\! - [Share]() - [Tweet](https://phys.org/news/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html) - [Share](https://phys.org/news/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html) - [Email](mailto:) 1. [Home](https://phys.org/) 2. [Biology](https://phys.org/biology-news/) 3. [Plants & Animals](https://phys.org/biology-news/plants-animals/) 1. [Home](https://phys.org/) 2. [Biology](https://phys.org/biology-news/) 3. [Ecology](https://phys.org/biology-news/ecology/) * February 25, 2026 # The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals by [Anglia Ruskin University](https://www.anglia.ac.uk/) edited by [Sadie Harley](https://sciencex.com/help/editorial-team/), reviewed by [Robert Egan](https://sciencex.com/help/editorial-team/) [Editors' notes]() This article has been reviewed according to Science X's [editorial process](https://sciencex.com/help/editorial-process/) and [policies](https://sciencex.com/help/editorial-standards/). [Editors](https://sciencex.com/help/editorial-team/) have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread [The GIST]() [Add as preferred source](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=https%3A%2F%2Fphys.org%2F) * ![The wild can be 'death trap' for rescued animals](https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2026/the-wild-can-be-death.jpg) Nishat, one of the two Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) to survive being released. Credit: Marcel Stawinoga A new study has found that the wild can be a "death trap" for animals that are released from captivity after previously being rescued. The research, published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation, involved Anglia Ruskin University primatologist Professor Anna Nekaris OBE and colleagues from the NGO Plumploris e.V. and the University of Western Australia, who studied the outcome of Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) released in Bangladesh. Slow lorises, with their large eyes and "cute" appearance, are one of the world's most trafficked primates and are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies all slow loris species as either Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable, which also makes them a popular species for rescue and release projects. However, this new study indicates that well-intentioned releases can be fatal for these small, nocturnal primates. Using radio collars, the researchers tracked the progress of nine animals released in a national park in northeastern Bangladesh, which is a site that has been used for previous releases. Out of the nine Bengal slow lorises released into the forest, only two survived. Three animals died within just 10 days, and another four within six months. Of the seven that died, the bodies of four were recovered and all had been fatally attacked by other slow lorises. Slow lorises are highly territorial and are the world's only venomous primate, possessing sharp teeth used to inject their venom. The recovered animals showed clear bite wounds to the head, face, and digits, indicating that territorial conflicts led to their deaths. The study also found that lorises that spent longer in captivity prior to release survived for fewer days in the wild and that the released lorises showed elevated levels of movement and alertness compared to that typically displayed by wild Bengal slow lorises. The two individuals that survived had a greater range compared to those that died, suggesting their success depended on moving away from established territories of other slow lorises and avoiding attack. Unlike larger, more "charismatic" species such as big cats, which are typically closely monitored after release, the study highlights how the fate of the majority of species released back into the wild often goes unreported. The researchers highlight the importance of thoroughly understanding the suitability of both the release site and the animal being released, with site assessments, long-term monitoring, and species-specific rehabilitation guidelines necessary for effective releases. Senior author Anna Nekaris OBE, Professor of Ecology, Conservation and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, and head of the Little Fireface Project, said, "It's assumed that returning confiscated or rescued animals to the wild is always a positive conservation story. Our research shows that for highly territorial species like slow lorises, releasing them into areas that are already densely populated can be a death trap. "Many rescued endangered species are often released because the public expects it, but for animals such as the Bengal slow loris, this is not always the best course of action. Without fully understanding the animal's behavior, its time spent in captivity, and the density of resident populations at the release site, reintroductions may do more harm than good." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our [free newsletter](https://sciencex.com/help/newsletter/) and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter—daily or weekly. Lead author Hassan Al-Razi, the team leader of Plumploris e.V. Bangladesh, said, "Rescue and release have become an increasingly common practice in Bangladesh. Many wild animals, including slow lorises, are rescued and subsequently released back into the wild. "However, in many cases, these releases are conducted inappropriately. For forest-dwelling species, release sites are often selected based on logistical convenience rather than ecological suitability. As a result, certain forests have effectively become dumping grounds for rescued animals and are no longer appropriate release sites. "Although our research has focused on the Bengal slow loris and demonstrated the consequences of such practices, we believe similar patterns likely affect many other species." ###### Publication details A new home is a death trap: Reinforcement at a translocation release site leads to fatalities in an endangered primate species, Global Ecology and Conservation (2026). [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04072](https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04072) Journal information: [Global Ecology and Conservation](https://phys.org/journals/global-ecology-conservation/) ###### Key concepts [animal behavior](https://phys.org/concepts/animal-behavior/) Provided by [Anglia Ruskin University](https://phys.org/partners/anglia-ruskin-university/) Citation: The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals (2026, February 25) retrieved 9 April 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. 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Readable Markdown	![The wild can be 'death trap' for rescued animals](https://scx1.b-cdn.net/csz/news/800a/2026/the-wild-can-be-death.jpg) Nishat, one of the two Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) to survive being released. Credit: Marcel Stawinoga A new study has found that the wild can be a "death trap" for animals that are released from captivity after previously being rescued. The research, published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation, involved Anglia Ruskin University primatologist Professor Anna Nekaris OBE and colleagues from the NGO Plumploris e.V. and the University of Western Australia, who studied the outcome of Bengal slow lorises (Nycticebus bengalensis) released in Bangladesh. Slow lorises, with their large eyes and "cute" appearance, are one of the world's most trafficked primates and are highly sought after in the illegal pet trade. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies all slow loris species as either Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable, which also makes them a popular species for rescue and release projects. However, this new study indicates that well-intentioned releases can be fatal for these small, nocturnal primates. Using radio collars, the researchers tracked the progress of nine animals released in a national park in northeastern Bangladesh, which is a site that has been used for previous releases. Out of the nine Bengal slow lorises released into the forest, only two survived. Three animals died within just 10 days, and another four within six months. Of the seven that died, the bodies of four were recovered and all had been fatally attacked by other slow lorises. Slow lorises are highly territorial and are the world's only venomous primate, possessing sharp teeth used to inject their venom. The recovered animals showed clear bite wounds to the head, face, and digits, indicating that territorial conflicts led to their deaths. The study also found that lorises that spent longer in captivity prior to release survived for fewer days in the wild and that the released lorises showed elevated levels of movement and alertness compared to that typically displayed by wild Bengal slow lorises. The two individuals that survived had a greater range compared to those that died, suggesting their success depended on moving away from established territories of other slow lorises and avoiding attack. Unlike larger, more "charismatic" species such as big cats, which are typically closely monitored after release, the study highlights how the fate of the majority of species released back into the wild often goes unreported. The researchers highlight the importance of thoroughly understanding the suitability of both the release site and the animal being released, with site assessments, long-term monitoring, and species-specific rehabilitation guidelines necessary for effective releases. Senior author Anna Nekaris OBE, Professor of Ecology, Conservation and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England, and head of the Little Fireface Project, said, "It's assumed that returning confiscated or rescued animals to the wild is always a positive conservation story. Our research shows that for highly territorial species like slow lorises, releasing them into areas that are already densely populated can be a death trap. "Many rescued endangered species are often released because the public expects it, but for animals such as the Bengal slow loris, this is not always the best course of action. Without fully understanding the animal's behavior, its time spent in captivity, and the density of resident populations at the release site, reintroductions may do more harm than good." Lead author Hassan Al-Razi, the team leader of Plumploris e.V. Bangladesh, said, "Rescue and release have become an increasingly common practice in Bangladesh. Many wild animals, including slow lorises, are rescued and subsequently released back into the wild. "However, in many cases, these releases are conducted inappropriately. For forest-dwelling species, release sites are often selected based on logistical convenience rather than ecological suitability. As a result, certain forests have effectively become dumping grounds for rescued animals and are no longer appropriate release sites. "Although our research has focused on the Bengal slow loris and demonstrated the consequences of such practices, we believe similar patterns likely affect many other species." ###### Publication details A new home is a death trap: Reinforcement at a translocation release site leads to fatalities in an endangered primate species, Global Ecology and Conservation (2026). [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04072](https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2026.e04072) Citation: The wild can be a 'death trap' for rescued animals (2026, February 25) retrieved 9 April 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2026-02-wild-death-animals.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
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