Juvenile Asian small-clawed otter rescued, returned to wild in Palawan

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 28, 2026

Photo courtesy: MENRO Roxas, Palawan Facebook Page

PALAWAN, Philippines — A juvenile female Asian small-clawed otter was rescued and returned to its natural habitat in Barangay Malcampo, Roxas, Palawan, on Aug. 20.

The otter, locally known as “dungon,” was spotted by a motorist while passing along a road, according to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office.

Authorities said the animal approached the motorist after he stopped and later sought shelter under his motorcycle. The driver then brought the otter home to protect it from stray dogs.

The juvenile otter weighed about 200 grams and measured 27 centimeters long.

It was later released back into the wild through an operation involving the Local Government of Roxas, the local Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff.

The Asian small-clawed otter, scientifically known as Aonyx cinereus, is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In Palawan, it is also classified as endangered under PCSD Resolution No. 15-521.