Endangered pangolin, otter, turtles released back into Vietnam forest

Among them were a striped-neck turtle, an Asian small-clawed otter, and a Javan pangolin, all classified as endangered species in group IB, the highest protection category, on Vietnam's government list of rare and endangered wildlife prioritized for protection.

The other animals included an elongated tortoise, an Indian eagle-owl, a pig-tailed macaque, a yellow-headed temple turtle, and a giant Asian pond turtle. 

These species fall under Group IIB, which covers forest animals not yet at risk of extinction but considered vulnerable without strict protection and management.

The rescue, conservation and development center under the national park said that the animals had been rescued, treated, and rehabilitated over a period of time before being deemed fit for release.

The release operation was conducted under the supervision of forest rangers and local authorities.

All of the animals had been received in April through voluntary handovers by residents and through coordination with provincial agencies.

On the same day, Kon Ka Kinh National Park signed cooperation agreements with forest ranger units in the Dak Doa, Mang Yang, and Kbang areas in the province in an effort to improve coordination in forest management and protection, and enhance investigations and enforcement against forestry-related violations within the national park’s jurisdiction.