The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, (or IUCN Red List for short), was established in 1964. It is a critical indicator of worldwide biodiversity health, providing information on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus, and plant species, (IUCN, n.d.)
In 1996, Aonyx cinereus made the IUCN Red List, assessed as a “Lower Risk/Near Threatened.” In 2004, this was upgraded to “Near Threatened,” followed by “Vulnerable,” in 2008. As of February 19, 2020, this species is still listed as Vulnerable, (figure 28). According to Kruuk (2006), there are many factors that are contributing to the decline of this species and many other otter species. Coastal, wetland, and riparian habitats are being altered or eliminated entirely, worldwide. Deforestation plays a major role in this, especially when habitats are destroyed to make room for the worlds' most invasive species: humans.
Fig. 28. IUCN Category. (Image by Unknown. “IUCN Category,” IUCN Red List [n.d.] Retrieved November 28, 2021, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/44166/164580923#assessment-information
In addition to habitat destruction, ocean pollution plays a major role in species reduction. In 2017, the worldwide coastal cleanup resulted in over 20 MILLION pounds of garbage, washed ashore from our oceans, (see figure 29). Not only can this garbage result in entanglement and starvation, but it can also lead to ingestion and choking. Additionally, polluted chemicals and oil spills can cause neurological disorders, buildups of metals within the system, and more. In a study by Gutleb and Murk (2001, 153) it was found that the metals absorbed into the bodies of otters disturbed their Vitamin A homeostasis, which is crucial for normal growth, development, and infection resistance.
As awareness of the vulnerability of A. cinereus increased, it was believed that there would be progress towards their conservation. Sadly, a new trend has begun to emerge (Todd, 2019). Despite a 2019 ban on the commercial trade of the species, a social media craze of keeping small-clawed otters as pets has emerged. “Otter Cafés,” have also been on the rise as a tourist trend in Japan. These Otters are ripped from their families in the wild, and there has also been evidence of farmers who brutally kill female otters and sell their pups on the black market.
Not only are these wild animals forced to live in cages (figure 30), without access to any type of natural habitat, but they are also fed an unnatural diet that revolves around mostly cheese. Without the ability to engage in any natural activities, these otters suffer both mental and physical stress. In some instances, otters had even gnawed off their tails as a stress response. (Krause, 2019).
Being cute is no reason to deny these incredible animals their right to freedom, and it is certainly no way to help restore or conserve their presence in the wild. There are many projects and studies taking place that are designed to help end this cruelty and to ensure the A. cinereus lowers its place on the IUCN red list. Learn more about how you can help stop this animal cruelty, return these incredible animals to the wild (figure 31), and help keep them there, at: www.worldanimalprotection.org
Fig 29. 2017 Worldwide Coastal Cleanup Statistics. (Image by Unknown, “2017 Worldwide Coastal Cleanup Results,” Eco Warrior Princess [n.d.] Retrieved on October 10, 2021 from https://ecowarriorprincess.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2017-International-Coastal-Cleanup-Global-Data.jpg
Fig. 30. Captive Aonyx cinereus. (Photograph by Gekoski, A. “Asian small-clawed otters inside the Harry Harajuku Terrace café,” The Insider [2019.] Retrieved November 12, 2021 https://www.insider.com/evidence-suggests-otter-cafes-in-japan-harmful-conditions-2019-5
