Otters At Risk In Asia

SATURDAY NIGHT CRIME: WORRYING STATUS OF WILD OTTERS

TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, has recently published a study which found that over the past 35 years, 6,000 otters have been seized in 15 Asian countries through 167 enforcement cases.

The study revealed that the number of live otters meant for the pet market that were seized over the last five years has increased to an average of six individual otters per seizure as compared to three to four previously.

The study also reported that illegal trade records involving otters were insufficient and that the trade was likely to be much larger than official seizure data alone suggested.

In Singapore, the native smooth-coated otter is often sighted in our mangroves, mudflats and coastal areas such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Pasir Ris, Pulau Ubin and Changi. They have also recently been spotted in waterways in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Punggol Waterfront. The smooth-coated otter is listed as �Critically Endangered� in the Red List of threatened animals of Singapore.

If you do happen to encounter wild otters, it is advised that you observe them from a distance and refrain from touching or feeding them. Also, keep our waters clean of litter or sharp objects! Clean and safe waterways provide good environments for the otters to live in.

If you know of anyone who is participating in the illegal trading or capture of otters, you can contact our Animal Crime Investigation Unit (ACIU) at acrescrime@gmail.com. You can also report such cases to the police, the National Parks Board (for cases within nature reserves), or the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore

Let�s do our part to keep our native wildlife safe!

Read more here: http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/otters-at-risk-in-asia

#ACRES #ACIU #TRAFFIC #Otters #SingaporeWildlife #Environment #DoNotLitter #Asia



A new report from environmental organization TRAFFIC has found 6,000 otters were seized in Asia over the past 35 years and the group warns that the

Source: http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/otters-at-risk-in-..

Tweet

ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

More Articles   |   Website