Mumbai: New study exposes impact of pet trade on otters

The study highlights the alarming consequences of illicit pet trade

In a new study, researchers have unveiled the devastating impact of the pet trade on the smooth-coated otter population. The study, published in the journal of the International Otter Survival Fund, highlights the alarming consequences of this illicit trade, which imperils the survival of these creatures.

The study sheds light on an incident that unfolded last year when a male smooth-coated otter was discovered inside an abandoned Mumbai mill. This discovery exposed the dark underbelly of the illegal pet trade, with the otter becoming a casualty of its treacherous web.

Despite valiant rescue efforts, the otter's life couldn't be saved, casting a sombre spotlight on the pressing need for a robust rescue strategy to safeguard otter species. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the looming threat posed by the unscrupulous wildlife trade, which persistently endangers these remarkable animals.

Hrishikesh Wagh and Omkar Patil

Omkar Patil, a researcher from the Policy Advocacy Research Centre (PARC), stressed the urgency of raising awareness and dismantling wildlife trade syndicates. Patil said, "It is important to train rescue teams in the safe handling and recovery of swift species like otters." He further noted that social media platforms often showcase videos and images of otter pups kept as pets, inadvertently fueling demand for these "adorable" animals.

Creating awareness on social media is considered essential to curb the demand for illegal wildlife trade. Hrishikesh Wagh, another researcher from PARC, highlighted the burgeoning trends in illegal wildlife trade that have inflated the commercial value of live animals and their derivatives, creating an insatiable demand in Southeast Asian countries. Wagh stressed the significance of concentrating on small mammals and implementing policy reforms to effectively combat this crisis.

As conservationists grapple with the dire implications of the pet trade on the delicate balance of ecosystems, this study serves as a clarion call to mobilise concerted efforts in shielding these precious species from succumbing to the insidious grip of the illegal wildlife trade.