Quang Tri hands over rare otter to Cuc Phuong National Park

The People’s Committee of Dakrong commune in the central province of Quang Tri, in coordination with the Dakrong Forest Protection Station, on February 26 handed over a small-clawed otter to the Cuc Phuong National Park and the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Vietnam for further care and rehabilitation.

Accordingly, the otter, weighing just over 400 grammes and currently in stable health, will be raised and cared for before being released back into the wild.

The Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus) is classified as an endangered and rare species under Group IB in accordance with Circular No. 27/2025/TT-BNNMT, and is subject to the highest level of legal protection in Vietnam. Hunting, captivity, trading or illegal transport of the species is strictly prohibited and may result in criminal charges.

Earlier, Ho Van Xiec, a fourth-grade pupil at Ta Long Primary School in Dakrong commune, discovered the weakened otter by a stream and informed his school. On February 25, the Dakrong Forest Protection Station took over the animal for initial care before completing procedures for its transfer./.