Two species of otter – the small-clawed otter and the smooth-coated otter – will receive greater protections from CITES after decisions made this week. These actions mean that all international trade in these species would be prohibited except under exceptional circumstances and will enable better conservation of these two species.
Asian small-clawed otters
Why this is needed: Asian small-clawed otters have disappeared or declined in many parts of their range. The population is thought to have declined by more than 30% in the last 30 years due, in large part, to significant reductions in its range and exploitation of the species for the global trade in otter skins and for the exotic pet trade. The species is also threatened by habitat loss from human development and other activities.
Smooth-coated otters
Why this is needed: The smooth-coated otter is threatened by poaching and illegal trade for use as pets, for fur, and for use in traditional medicine. This species is notably particularly threatened by its “cuteness,” which makes it a trendy social media accessory. In the last decade, loss of mangroves to aquaculture, reclamation of wetlands for settlements and aquaculture, stone quarrying and sand mining, large-scale hydroelectric projects, and other habitat alterations have led to significantly reduced habitat for smooth-coated otters. All these factors have resulted in population reductions in many parts of its range.