Small-clawed otter discovered in Phu Quoc National Park

Small-clawed otters are rare and protected species listed in the Vietnam Red Book. They currently live in the wild in Phu Quoc National Park.

Small-clawed otters, a species listed in Vietnam's Red Book, still live in the wild in Phu Quoc National Park - Photo: Provided by Phu Quoc National Park

On April 2, information from Phu Quoc National Park said that recently the unit recorded that small-clawed otters (a species listed in the Vietnam Red Book) are still distributed and living in Rach Tram River (Bai Thom Commune, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province).

Small-clawed otters have a shorter, more solid body than other otters, with webbed feet that do not cover the toes and are covered with fur, ear flaps that cover the ears, and light brown or gray-brown fur. They are characterized by small feet that do not extend past the toes, and live in aquatic areas, along areas with mangrove forests, brackish water, and streams.

To find this otter species, Mr. Nguyen Hong Quan and his colleagues at Phu Quoc National Park went on a preliminary reconnaissance through forest habitats, especially along Rach Tram River (Bai Thom commune) to find traces of the species' activities such as: droppings, footprints or otter food.

Anh Quan set a camera trap to capture images of small-clawed otters in Phu Quoc - Photo: CHI CONG

"Recently, the unit set camera traps and captured images of some rare species such as monitor lizards, kites... and especially small-clawed otters still living along Rach Tram River," said Mr. Nguyen Hong Quan - an employee of Phu Quoc National Park.

In our country, small-clawed otters are distributed in Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Binh Phuoc , Lam Dong, Kien Giang, Ca Mau... The number of small-clawed otters has decreased significantly due to hunting and loss of habitat. Therefore, the fact that this otter species still lives in Phu Quoc is a good sign.

The unit always propagates and mobilizes people to raise awareness of conservation, not to hunt, buy, sell, or use wild animals in nature. The unit patrols, detects, and promptly handles violations, contributing to protecting wild animals still living in Phu Quoc.

Camera trap captures the moment a small-clawed otter in Rach Tram River (Bai Thom Commune, Phu Quoc City) - Photo: Provided by Phu Quoc National Park

Rach Tram River (Bai Thom Commune, Phu Quoc City) has a flooded ecosystem, many cajuput trees, mangrove trees and is where small-clawed otters still live - Photo: CHI CONG

CHI CONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phat-hien-rai-ca-vuot-be-o-vuon-quoc-gia-phu-quoc-20250402090532405.htm