Small-clawed otter spotted in Phu Quoc National Park

Small-clawed otters are rare and protected species and are 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 small-clawed otters (a species listed in the Vietnam Red Book) 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, their webbed feet do not cover their toes and are covered with fur, their ears have flaps that cover their ears, and their fur is light brown or grayish-brown. They are characterized by small feet that do not extend past their toes, and they live in aquatic areas, along 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: otter droppings, footprints or food.

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

"Recently, the unit has set camera traps to capture some images of rare species such as monitor lizards, kites... and especially small-clawed otters still living along the 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, trade, or use wild animals in nature. The unit patrols, detects, and promptly handles violations, contributing to the protection of 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

Honesty

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