CITES Has Voted To Ban Endangered Smooth-Coated Otter Trade

• 01

  With a whopping 102 votes in favor of the ban, 15 against and 11 absent.

  
  via France 24
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• 02

  This is wonderful news for the smooth-coated otter!

  
  via France 24

  According to ecologists, it is vital for the survival of the species which has wildly plummeted by 30% in the past 30 years. And is it said to have accelerated due to Japan's hot fad of keeping the otters as pets. 

  Japan has also been offering baby otters for Otter Cafes for up to $10,000.

• 03

  And while popular Instagrammers posting these selfies with the otters seem to warm the hearts of many, animal protection groups say this trend is posting a 'existential threat' to the silky mammal.

  
  via France 24

  Nicole Duplaix, who co-chairs the Otter Specialist Group at the International Union for Conservation of Nature, told AFP, "The illegal trade in otters has suddenly increased exponentially."

• 04

  The CITES vote on Sunday must still be confirmed at the meeting which continues until Wednesday.

  
  via France 24

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