Hanoi, January 2, 2025 — Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW), in collaboration with Cuc Phuong National Park, successfully released 12 Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) back into the wild.
(The release team was preparing to bring the pangolins back to the wild)
(The pangolins took their first steps back to the wild)
All the pangolins released this time had been rescued by SVW and Cuc Phuong National Park from illegal transportation, hunting, and trading activities in October and November 2024. Among them was one individual born at the SVW rescue center and hand-reared by the team until it was ready for release. After their rescue and transfer to SVW’s rescue center, the Captive and Veterinary teams closely monitored the health of each individual, assessing their recovery progress and devising plans for survival skill training. These preparations aimed to ensure that the animals could forage and defend themselves in their natural habitat. Additionally, heating systems were installed to prevent the animals from suffering cold stress during the winter months in the national park. After more than two months of rehabilitation, all individuals were deemed fit for release and ready to return to their natural home.
(After their rescue and transfer to SVW’s rescue center, the Captive and Veterinary teams closely monitored the health of each individual)
(Heating systems were installed to prevent the animals from suffering cold stress)
Before the release, SVW’s Conservation Research team conducted three biodiversity surveys to identify suitable release sites for the pangolins. The criteria for selecting the release location were based on the following factors: (1) the site’s ecological characteristics aligned with the natural behaviors and habitat preferences of Sunda pangolins, and (2) the environment offered abundant food resources for the animals. Choosing an appropriate release site is crucial, as placing wildlife in the right environment not only supports the recovery and growth of the species population in the wild but also contributes to the biodiversity conservation of the area.
The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and listed under Group IB of Vietnam’s Red Data Book, which covers species of extreme rarity and high conservation priority. Illegal trade in pangolins is subject to criminal prosecution. Furthermore, Sunda pangolins are included in Appendix I of CITES, prohibiting cross-border trade and exploitation from the wild. Despite these protections, illegal hunting and trafficking of pangolins remain rampant and complex.
Since its establishment, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) has successfully rescued over 4,280 wildlife individuals, making it the leading pangolin rescue organization in Vietnam, with over 1,709 pangolins saved. More than 70% of rescued animals have been rehabilitated and successfully released back into the wild, significantly contributing to the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Vietnam.
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For more information, please contact:
(Ms.) Nhung Dong – Communication Officer
E: [email protected] – M: 0969 755 358
About Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW)
Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) is a non-profit organization established in 2014 with the mission to “Reverse the decline of ecosystems, protect wildlife habitats, and promote the recovery of threatened species in Vietnam.” Since its founding, SVW has planned and implemented numerous long-term conservation programs and projects. SVW’s direct and on-site conservation efforts encompass three main areas: Species Conservation, Site Protection, and Community Engagement.
For more details, visit our website: https://svw.vn/en.
