The Forest Department and members of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali have rescued an endangered otter in Mahipur, Kalapara, in Patuakhali. Acting on a tip-off, they rescued the otter from the house of Kabir Howlader in Manoharpur village under Mahipur police station at noon on Saturday 27 December.

The rescued animal, known locally as udbiral, is on the list of endangered wildlife in Bangladesh. Local sources said Kabir Howlader had been keeping the otter at his home on a chain for about 15 days.

Kabir Howlader said the otter was caught in a net while fish were being netted in a pond at a neighbouring house. Local people then beat it and injured it, after which he rescued the animal and gave it first aid. He claimed he did not know that keeping wild animals is a punishable offence.

Md Jhilon Mia, the Forest Department officer in charge of the Mahipur Sadar beat, said the rescued otter is a protected and endangered wild animal and that capturing or keeping wildlife is a punishable offence under the law. Necessary action will be taken after observing the animal's physical condition, he said.

Environmental activist KM Bachchu said the otter is a very important animal for our environment, and it is sad that people keep or abuse such animals out of ignorance and lack of awareness. Everyone must become more aware of wildlife conservation, he said.

Bayezid Munshi, a member of the Kalapara branch of Animal Lovers of Patuakhali, said they contacted the Forest Department as soon as they got the news and rescued the otter. He hoped it would be released into a safe environment after proper treatment.

Tourism and nature enthusiast Ruman Imtiaz Tushar said wildlife and other animals, including dolphins, are found injured at various times in this coastal region. Because the Sundarbans and social forests are close to Kuakata, animals and birds are harmed during natural disasters, he said, calling for an emergency hotline number and a rescue centre for first aid.

According to Forest Department sources, the otter will be sent to a safe place on the instructions of higher authorities after first aid.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.