Twelve Javan pangolins and five small-clawed otters, all confiscated in cases of illegal hunting, transporting, and trading, have been successfully rescued and released back into the wild.
The moment the Javan pangolin acclimatizes to its natural environment.
On February 5th, the Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW) announced that it had collaborated with Cuc Phuong National Park and Vu Quang National Park to release 12 Javan pangolins and 5 small-clawed otters back into their natural habitat.
All of the animals shown are confiscated and rescued from cases of illegal hunting, transporting, and trading of wild animals in various localities across the country.
After being rescued and brought to the rescue center, these individuals undergo a rigorous quarantine, care, rehabilitation, and evaluation process, under the close supervision of the care staff and veterinarians.
The results showed that all individuals were in good health and had the necessary behavioral characteristics to be returned to their natural environment.
The pangolins were fitted with tracking tags before being released back into the wild.
Prior to the reintroduction, the SVW conservation research team conducted a field survey to identify a suitable reintroduction site. The selection of the reintroduction area was based on three main criteria:
- The area has ecological conditions suitable for the biological habits of the Javan pangolin and the small-clawed otter.
- A plentiful and stable natural food source for each species.
- The area is strictly protected, ensuring the safety of the animals after their reintroduction.
"Choosing the right reintroduction site is crucial, not only to increase the animals' ability to adapt and survive after returning to the wild, but also to contribute to the recovery of the species' population and the protection of biodiversity in the reintroduction area," an SVW representative said.
The Javan pangolin ( scientific name: Manis javanica) and the small-clawed otter (scientific name: Aonyx cinereus) are both listed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to the IUCN Red List, belonging to group IB under Circular No. 85/2025/TT-BNNMT of Vietnamese law on the management of endangered, rare, and precious forest animals.
Both species are listed in the Vietnamese Red Book and are included in Appendix I of the CITES Convention, prohibiting all forms of international commercial trade.
The small-clawed otter was released back into the wild.
Illegal hunting, transporting, and trading of these species are all subject to criminal prosecution. However, in reality, violations remain widespread due to illicit economic gains.
To date, SVW has successfully rescued nearly 5,000 wild animals, including more than 1,800 pangolins, becoming the largest pangolin rescue unit in Vietnam.
Over the past five years, more than 80% of the animals at the center have been successfully rehabilitated and released back into the wild. This achievement makes a significant contribution to efforts to restore wildlife populations and conserve forest ecosystems in Vietnam.