View image in fullscreen In the wild, otters have a key role in maintaining freshwater and mangrove swamps in Asia, hunting creatures such as crabs and molluscs. “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. Conservationists worry that the pet trade will see their role in ecosystems disappear – exacerbating the impact of habitat loss and pollution. Photograph: Noriko Hayashi/New York Times/Redux/eyevine“Otters have long been sought after for illegal trade,” she said. But people should understand that the businesses may be involved in the illegal trade.”.

Source: The Guardian June 12, 2025 03:01 UTC