Quang tri: Authorities in Quang Tri province have transferred a rare clouded monitor (Varanus nebulosus) to a wildlife rescue centre under Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park for temporary care and conservation, local official said on May 19. The animal is approximately two kilograms in weight and 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 Vietnam, with all forms of commercial exploitation and use strictly prohibited.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the transfer is part of ongoing efforts to preserve Vietnam's endangered wildlife. The authorities are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of the clouded monitor by placing it in an environment that supports its conservation. The wildlife rescue centre at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is equipped to provide the necessary care for such rare species.

The clouded monitor's inclusion in Group IB highlights the critical status of its population in the wild. Vietnam's regulations are stringent regarding the protection of these animals, emphasizing the prohibition of any commercial activities involving them. The rescue centre will play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and potential future release of the clouded monitor back into its natural habitat.

The collaboration between Quang Tri authorities and the rescue centre demonstrates a commitment to wildlife conservation in the region. It reflects broader national efforts to protect endangered species and maintain biodiversity.