ENV: Over 500 wildlife rescued in 2018

According to the ENV, there were 1,666 cases of wildlife-related violations in 2018, with the illegal advertising, trading of wildlife, especially the products and parts from them being the most committed, accounting for 64% of the total.

Additionally, ENV also stated that nearly 800 cases of wildlife law being violating on the Internet, with more than 1,200 links showing signs of violation. Illegal capturing and storing of wildlife and their products and parts is still very common, especially for monkeys, turtles, specimens of bears, tigers and sea turtles, and wildlife kept in alcohol.

Last year, hotline of EVN (1800-1522) recorded 819 wildlife-related violations reported by local people. Of the violations cases, 65.5% have been successfully handled, much higher than the figure of 48% in 2017. On average, ENV's Wildlife Protection Office receives 3.3 new violations through its 1800-1522 hotline each day.

In particular, many voluntarily transferred their captive wildlife to the State in 2018, contributing to 67 wildlife individuals having a better life at rescue centers.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Dung, Deputy Director of ENV hoped that the hotline 1800-1522 will continuously become a bridge between residents and the relevant authorities in receiving information on violations as well as wild animals that are voluntarily transferred. 

Vietnam is recognized globally for its unique biodiversity. With a relatively small land area stretching over 1,600km from north to south, Vietnam is home to many rare and endangered species, including species that are found nowhere else in the world.

However, rapid economic growth over the past 15 years has resulted in rising consumer demand for expensive foods and medicines made from wildlife that were formerly beyond the reach of most ordinary Vietnamese. Hunting and trade of wildlife has led to the decline of wild populations of many mammal, bird, and reptile species.  

Education for Nature - Vietnam (ENV) was established in 2000 as Vietnam’s first non-governmental organization focused on the conservation of nature and the protection of the environment. ENV combats the illegal wildlife trade and aims to foster greater understanding amongst the Vietnamese public about the need to protect nature and wildlife. ENV employs creative and innovative strategies to influence public attitudes and reduce demand for wildlife trade products.