Successfully rescued 15 extremely endangered baby otters

On November 21, 2019, SVW in collaboration with Pu Mat National Park successfully rescued 15 extremely rare baby clawed otters

Initially identifying these as small clawed otters, animals that have been included in the Vietnam Red Book, are extremely rare. The otters were transferred to SVW’s rescue center in Pu Mat National Park, both in poor condition and injured due to being too young (weight of 15 otters was 11.2 kg and monkey 0 , 5 kg; 4 otter individuals have not yet opened their eyes) are undergoing thorough health check and care by the Center staff in the quarantine area. Sadly, four otter died before the authorities arrived.

After receiving the information, the Rapid Response Team immediately brought boxes, food, linens and veterinary equipment to the scene providing first aid and rescue these otters. This is the center’s largest number of otters rescue ever.

Previously, about 21:30 on November 20, Dien Chau Police Force discovered and seized the animals being illegally transported on Km429. Highway 1A goes through Dien Thinh commune, Dien Chau district, Nghe An province. The case is under investigation by Dien Chau District Police.

Small clawed otters have been included in the Vietnam Red Book, specified in Annex 1 of Decree 160/2013 / ND-CP dated 12/11/2013, which are extremely precious and rare animals that need to be prioritized for protection. This species is also listed in Appendix I of CITES banning international trade. The number of otter populations in Vietnam is severely declining due to excessive hunting for pets or the use of parts such as fur and leather for commercial purposes and loss of natural habitat. Therefore, it is necessary to immediately stop hunting, wildlife trade and implement effective species conservation programs, saving endangered animals from extinction.