Two Asian small-clawed otters spotted in Tawi-Tawi

Two Asian small-clawed otters have been spotted on Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi for the very first time!

Sharing on Facebook a video clip of the animals swimming in the waters on Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX said that it was able to document the otters in the vicinity of Taganak Island, a part of the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary (TIWS) in Tawi-Tawi.  

According to TIWS protected area superintendent Minda Bairula, this was the first time the presence of these otter species was recorded in the area.

In Bairula’s report, the Asian small-clawed otters, locally known as “hanjing laut,” were seen on several occasions between May 15 and May 22 on the Taganak seashore.

Resident Adzmie Herera told the DENR this was his first time seeing the creatures on their island since he would often see them in Pulau Berhala, an island between Sandakan and Taganak.

Regional Executive Director Crisanta Marlene P. Rodriguez said that since this was the first time these otters were spotted in Taganak, DENR IX will be consulting with the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) to better understand how the species could be protected.

Currently, DENR IX said they are conducting an information campaign among the residents to make sure no one will catch or harm the species.

The agency also teamed up with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police–Taganak and the local government unit to help monitor and protect the otters. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News