Latest news with #otters
The Guardian
18 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
Otters posing for selfies in Japanese cafes may be linked to illegal trade, experts warn
Posing for selfies on the laps of excited visitors, the otters of Tokyo's animal cafes have learned to play their part in their online stardom. In thousands of social media videos, the aquatic mammals wriggle through the outstretched hands of adoring customers who reward their attention with food. But the booming demand has raised major concerns among conservationists, with a study published in the journal Conservation Science and Practice linking the small-clawed otters in animal cafes in Japanese cities with wild populations in poaching hotspots in Thailand. Researchers compared the DNA profiles of 81 otters from zoos and animal cafes or seized by customs with genetic data from wild populations in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. They found the overwhelming majority of captive otters matched with two poaching hotspots in southern Thailand, on the Gulf of Thailand coastline and near the border with Malaysia. The Asian small-clawed otter, classified as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN red list, is the otter species of choice and has become a popular pet, even though its commercial trade was banned internationally in 2019. 'In recent decades, the otter has become very popular in Japan because of the cafes. I feel anxiety about the situation because the otters are decreasing in their own territories. We wanted to see where they were coming from,' said Mayako Fujihara, associate professor at the Wildlife Research Centre of Kyoto University and study co-author. 'We cannot confirm that the otters came through the illegal trade but we have shown that their DNA is the same as those from areas in Thailand that are illegal trade hotspots. 'Many cafe owners do not understand the situation. Some believe they are helping otter conservation by breeding them and showing them to people.' While not definitive proof, researchers from Japan, Thailand and France said their findings were strongly suggestive of links to the wild trade. Some of the otters found in Japan's pet cafes could also have been bred in captivity from animals captured and imported before the 2019 ban. 'Before the study, we had this strong feeling that most of them were smuggled,' said Dr Marie Sigaud, from the National History Museum in France. 'These otters are in Appendix 1 in Cites [Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora], the most highly protected category, like elephant ivory. Our big question to answer was where they are coming from. The results strongly suggest that at least some of those otters are coming directly from the illegal trade.' In the wild, the otters have a key role in maintaining freshwater and mangrove swamps in Asia, hunting creatures such as crabs and molluscs. They form monogamous pairs for life and are known for their dextrous, highly sensitive claws for digging. Conservationists worry that the pet trade will see their role in ecosystems disappear – exacerbating the impact of habitat loss and pollution. Despite recent efforts, smuggling of the otters remains rampant, with the animals prized for their cuteness. The scale of the trade in small-clawed otters was first unveiled in 2018 in a joint study by the IUCN otter specialist group and Traffic, an NGO specialising in the global trade in wild animals and plants. It found more than 500 adverts for the creatures between January and April 2017, with a huge demand for young otters less than a year old. It is believed to have grown since then. 'You cannot have an otter as a pet in most European countries but it is a very popular pet in Asia and Japan. There are popular YouTube channels from people that have otters as pets and there are lots of follows. It's a cute species, even though it's very hard to look after,' Sigaud said. Kanitha Krishnasamy, Traffic's director in south-east Asia, was sceptical that an industry breeding the animals in captivity would help wild populations. 'Otters have long been sought after for illegal trade,' she said. 'There are many longstanding examples that highlight the pitfalls and complications in regulating and controlling breeding for trade, with links to laundering of illegally caught wild specimens into the legal trade chain. Any move to introduce commercial captive breeding is extremely risky.' The researchers also urged people to think twice before visiting the cafes or having the animals as pets, as they can sometimes become aggressive. In social media posts, they often show signs of stress and are regularly grossly overweight, sometimes vomiting up food or gnawing away at their own tails. Fujihara said: 'I don't think it is a good idea for people to go to the cafes. Most of the people go because they love animals. But people should understand that the businesses may be involved in the illegal trade.'. Find more age of extinction coverage here, and follow the biodiversity reporters Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield in the Guardian app for more nature coverage
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Researchers horrified by disturbing discovery captured in trendy cafes: 'There's a lot more … than we previously thought'
Asian small-clawed otters have a cult following on the internet, particularly in Japan. However, researchers recently found evidence of extensive, behind-the-scenes poaching driven by their popularity. Mongabay looked at new research published in Conservation Science and Practice, focused on Asian small-clawed otters in Japan's controversial otter cafes. Concerns about the species aren't new — in 2019, published an exhaustive piece questioning the ethics of Japan's otter cafes, documenting unsuitable conditions and visibly distressed otters. Researchers from France, Thailand, and Japan suspected poaching played a role in the bustling otter trade. They obtained DNA samples from 81 Asian small-clawed otters in Japan, 43 of which were from zoos, 33 from animal cafes, and five from otters intercepted at the border. Using genetic markers, the team contrasted the samples with those of otters from "the southern region of Thailand, which is a suspected poaching hotspot." Their suspicions were validated, and their findings were striking. "Based on the identical haplotypes, most otters (94%) kept at cafes originated from Thailand, compared to around 60% from those kept at zoos and aquariums," researchers determined, per Conservation Science and Practice. "Actually, there's a lot more Thai otters in Japan than we previously thought," said conservation biologist and study co-author Worata Klinsawat, per Mongabay. "Poaching and illegal wildlife trade are among the key drivers of biodiversity loss and biosecurity crises worldwide," the team said, per Conservation Science and Practice. The practice of poaching — defined by National Geographic as "the illegal trafficking and killing of wildlife" — is a global problem with far-reaching consequences in terms of conservation and habitat, both human and animal. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Researchers said in Conservation Science and Practice that poaching "threatens the species' survival and population viability of otters." The Asian small-clawed otter was designated "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the Japanese river otter was officially deemed "extinct" in 2012. Dwindling populations of native flora and fauna wreak havoc on local ecosystems, creating a domino effect on habitats and disrupting the food chain. Donating to conservation and wildlife protection organizations is one way to directly mitigate harmful behaviors like animal poaching. However, the most effective approach is a simple one, according to one researcher. "It's natural to feel affectionate toward otters, but we need to leave them in the wild so that they can fulfill their ecological role, for them and for us," Klinsawat said, per Mongabay. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Independent Singapore
28-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
Otters targeted by stone-throwing men in viral video, NParks steps in
SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NParks) has launched an investigation into a suspected animal cruelty case after two men were caught on camera hurling stones at a group of otters in Lorong Halus. The alleged incident, which took place on Saturday morning (May 24), was brought to public attention by members of the Nature Society Singapore Facebook group. A video posted to the group shows two men — one dressed in a blue shirt, the other in an orange one — chasing otters near the water's edge. The footage captures them picking up stones from the grassy banks and throwing them at the startled animals, causing the otters to scatter, with some diving into the water to escape. According to the original post, one of the men claimed he had resorted to the act because the otters were eating fish. That explanation, however, has not sat well with members of the public. The video quickly circulated online, prompting strong condemnation from netizens. Many pointed out that otters naturally consume fish and that the men's actions were cruel and showed a lack of respect for wildlife. Several commenters urged that the perpetrators be held accountable. NParks has since confirmed that it had received reports about the incident. A spokesperson said the board treats all allegations of animal cruelty seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation. The spokesman added that ensuring the welfare of animals is a shared responsibility and encouraged members of the public to report any suspected cases of abuse through the NParks website or by calling 1800-476-1600. Under the Animals and Birds Act, individuals found guilty of animal cruelty for the first time can face up to 18 months in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Repeat offenders face jail terms of up to three years, fines of up to $30,000, or both. NParks also reminded the public to observe safe and respectful behaviour around wildlife. Otters generally do not pose a threat unless they are provoked or feel cornered, the spokesperson said. Members of the public are advised to keep a safe distance and to refrain from feeding, touching, chasing, or attempting to handle otters, especially if otter pups are present, as adult otters are protective and may react defensively.
Irish Times
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Times
What's the crack with this apple tree in our garden?
We have beautiful apple trees in our garden. Today we noticed deep lines in the trunk. Would you know what these are? Are they like the wrinkles our Mummy and Daddy have, now that they are old? Imogen & Sylvia Kavanagh, Monkstown, Dublin Hardly, unless you have been leaving them out in the garden during hard frosts. What has happened to your apple tree is that a sudden hard frost froze the sap – which is mostly water – inside the tree. When water freezes, it expands, and this caused a crack down the stem. Further freezing and thawing events would make the crack bigger. It takes more than a few frosty nights to give adults wrinkles. Otter on golf course. Photograph supplied by Tom Treacy I saw what I thought was an otter looking at me teeing off on the 10th hole at Barna golf course in Galway one Monday at the end of March. He watched us for a minute before doodling off. It mustn't have been too happy with our tee shots. Tom Treacy It is an otter all right. Otters are our largest mustelid, bigger than the badger or the American mink. They are usually extremely elusive and quite difficult to observe in river systems but less so at the coast. This one could well be hunting for food along the shore, as otters that forage among seaweeds and rock pools are more active by day. They can often be curious, however, and, if not alarmed, may hang around for a bit. This one was taking no chances with your teeing ability, however. READ MORE King Alfred's cakes fungus. Photograph supplied by Dorothy Hatton I saw these black-coloured balls on a decaying branch. Can you tell me about them, please? Dorothy Hatton, Gorey These are fungi commonly called King Alfred's cakes, which doesn't say much for his cooking ability and neither does the other common name: cramp balls. They aren't edible, so don't try to see if the names are apt. They are hard and tough in texture and often grow on decaying beech. Long ago they were apparently used to transport fire as they smoulder for a long time, but this function has now been replaced by the safety matches of Maguire & Patterson. Racing pigeon. Photograph supplied by Sheela Haydon Is this a racing pigeon? It was around Clontarf for a good few weeks. Sheela Haydon Racing pigeons are supposed to return – at speed – from whence they came, so this one will certainly not be wanted any longer by the owner. There are all sorts of racing pigeons, including black varieties, which are bred for the sport. They are all ringed on one leg with life rings, each carrying an individual number that identifies the specific pigeon. Your photo does not show the legs but, if you caught it, you could identify its owner. Pond skaters. Photograph supplied by Archie Harding-Lee During the Easter holidays, myself and my dad saw these creatures on the pond. They seemed to be walking on the surface. Why didn't they sink? Archie Harding-Lee, Dublin These are insects called common pond skaters. They are very light and have water-repellent hairs on the bottom of their feet, allowing them to rush around on the surface film of the water. They use their four long back legs for this. Their front two legs are much shorter, and they use them for grabbing their food. What they eat are smaller little insects that have become trapped in this water film, such as mosquito larvae. They can detect the small vibrations these tiny insects make. In turn they can be eaten by hungry fish from below if they are quick enough. They emerge from hibernation in April and lay eggs shortly afterwards. Please submit your nature query, observation, or photo, with a location, via or by email to weekend@
Irish Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Facade of Ranelagh cottage falls onto street by Grand Canal
Two otters fight in the river Lee. Video: Chris Moody Jas Fagan Tailor shop on Dublin's Thomas St has been making Holy Communion suits for many years. Jas's son Leonard now runs the business. Video: Bryan O'Brien Patsy McGarry takes a closer look around the meaning of Robert Frances Prevost's choice of his papal name: Leo XIV. Journalist and historian Ronan McGreevy tells the story of how The Irish Times's most famous front page was created. Video: Dan Dennison American cardinal Robert Prevost was elected pope by the world's cardinals on the second day of the conclave. He is the first American pontiff. Head Coach Andy Farrell has named Maro Itoje as captain of the 2025 Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Men's Tour to Australia. Video: TB&IL Ronan McGreevy takes a closer look at the history of how VE Day was reported in Ireland. Patsy McGarry reports from Rome as the Catholic Church's most senior leaders meet in conclave today, to elect a successor to Pope Francis. India attacked Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir on Wednesday with several deaths reported. Pakistan is calling the assault a 'blatant act of war'. Dublin City Council have opened a Mobility School in Eamonn Ceannt Park, Crumlin, a fun and safe environment to learn and practise cycling. Video: Bryan O'Brien
