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Two of the 15 small-clawed otters recently rescued. Photo: SVW

At around 21:30 pm (Vietnam Time) on November 20, a truck trafficking 19 small-clawed otters and 1 monkey were spotted and captured by police forces in Dien Chau district while traveling through Km429 1A National Road in Dien Thinh ward, Dien Chau district, Nghe An province.

Right after receiving the information, the quick-responding team of SVW had arrived at the scene with animal food, medical equipment to conduct rescue activities. Unfortunately, 4 among 19 otters had died before their arrival. All of the rescued otters were identified as baby Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus). According to SVW, all of the 15 alive individuals weighed only 11.2 kg, of which four ones' eyes were yet to open. They were in poor health condition and had wounds on the bodies. SVW team immediately provided them with first aid and after that transported them to Pu Mat National Park for further health checkup and intensive care.

SVW staff takes care of a baby otter in a rescue center in Pu Mat National Park. Photo: SVW

At the moment, the police force in Dien Chau district is investing this animal trafficking case.

Small-clawed otter is named on the Red List of Vietnam as a highly endangered animal that needs special protection. This animal is also listed in the Convention on International Trades of Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Southeast Asia is home to four species of otters—Eurasian Otter Lutra lutra, Hairy-nosed Otter Lutra sumatrana, Small-clawed Otter Aonyx cinereus and Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata. They are listed on The IUCN Red List as Near Threatened, Endangered, Vulnerable and Vulnerable, respectively, and all but the Eurasian Otter are considered threatened with extinction.

In recent years, the number of small-clawed otter in Vietnam is sharply declining, due to over hunting, illegal trade and capture as pets, or the use of its fur, skin for commercial purpose and the loss of natural habitat.

Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) is a national Non-Profit Organisation in Vietnam that was founded on the critical need for more effective solutions to secure a future for Vietnamese wildlife. SVW is actively engaged in supporting the confiscation of wildlife from the illegal trade, rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing animals into suitable and secured habitats that support conservation of wild populations.

The organisation carries out scientific research to increase the understanding of the requirements for threatened species in the wild and in captivity. They also educate and train the public and Vietnamese law enforcement officers to promote positive perceptions and attitudes towards wildlife conservation. In addition, SVW works to continually evolve animal welfare standards and practices for individual animals in the care of the CPCP and promote these ideals to the zoos and rescue centres in Vietnam.