Rare otter species rescued in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines — A rare otter species has been rescued in Roxas, Palawan, according to the municipal environment and natural resources office (MENRO).

The female juvenile Asian small-clawed otter or Aonyx cinereus, commonly known as dungon, measures 27 centimeters long and weighs 200 grams.

The species was rescued by motorist Roel Labadia in Barangay Malcampo on Aug. 20.

Labadia said he was driing when he saw the animal lying along the road.

He said when he pulled over, the otter crawled toward him and hid under his motorcycle.

Sensing threats from dogs nearby, Labadia picked up the otter and brought it home.

He said he and his wife contacted Ed Agarap, chief of the sea and forest patrol, who reported the matter to the MENRO.

Local environment officials retrieved the otter and brought it to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) for assessment, which showed the animal is in good health.

The Asian small-clawed otter is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, while the PCSD classified it as endangered.