Varanus nebulosus, a species belongs to Group IB — a category of endangered and rare forest wildlife species given the highest level of protection in Việt Nam, with all forms of commercial exploitation and use strictly prohibited. — VNA/VNS Photo

QUẢNG TRỊ — Authorities in the central province of Quảng Trị have transferred a rare clouded monitor (Varanus nebulosus) to a wildlife rescue centre under Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park for temporary care and conservation, local official said on Tuesday.

According to Nguyễn Thành Vũ, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Triệu Bình Commune, the reptile was previously discovered and capture by Bùi Hữu Nhật, a resident in Triệu Bình Commune, while working in a field. Realising that it was a rare wild animal in need of protection, Nhật voluntarily handed it over to local authorities and forest rangers.

Bùi Hữu Nhật, a resident in Triệu Bình Commune, hands over the rare monitor to local authorities for handling. — VNA/VNS Photo

Following the handover, local authorities and relevant agencies completed the required procedures and provided care for the animal in accordance with regulations.

The animal was identified as a clouded monitor (Varanus nebulosus), weighing approximately two kilograms and measuring around 70 centimetres in length. The species belongs to Group IB — a category of endangered and rare forest wildlife species given the highest level of protection in Việt Nam, with all forms of commercial exploitation and use strictly prohibited.

In recent years, residents across Quảng Trị Province have voluntarily handed over numerous rare and endangered wild animals to authorities for rescue, care and release back into their natural habitats. This reflects growing public awareness of wildlife protection and contributes to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection. — VNA/VNS