The Rescue, Conservation and Species Development Centre under the Management Board of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has received three wild animals from local authorities in Quang Tri Province for rescue and care.
According to the centre, the animals include two Indochinese box turtles and one clouded monitor lizard.
One turtle was handed over by the People's Committee of Hoan Lao Commune after being discovered and reported by Tran Thi Man Ai, a resident of Village 1 in Hoan Lao Commune. The second turtle was transferred by the People's Committee of Nam Ba Don Commune after being found and reported by Truong Thi Yen, a resident of Nam Ha Village.
The People's Committee of Quang Tri Ward transferred the clouded monitor lizard after it was discovered and reported by Tran Ba Phuong, a resident of Ly Nam De Street in Quang Tri Ward.
Following reports from residents, local authorities coordinated with relevant agencies to receive the animals and publicly announced the cases in an effort to identify any legal owner or lawful custodian.
After the statutory notification period expired without identifying an owner or lawful manager, and after confirming that the animals were not evidence in any legal case, local authorities transferred them to the rescue centre for rehabilitation.
Under Circular No. 85/2025/TT-BNNMT, issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on December 31, 2025, governing the management of endangered, precious and rare species and the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the clouded monitor lizard is classified under Group IB, while the Indochinese box turtle is listed under Group IIB.
After receiving the animals, the centre conducted health assessments and placed them in care facilities suited to the biological characteristics of each species. The animals are being quarantined, monitored and rehabilitated to restore their physical condition and natural behaviours.
Officials said the ultimate goal is to release the animals back into suitable natural habitats once they meet the required conditions.
The centre said the voluntary reporting and handover of wild animals by local residents plays an important role in strengthening wildlife rescue efforts and biodiversity conservation. It also reflects close cooperation among communities, local authorities, forest protection forces and specialist rescue facilities in protecting wildlife and preserving natural ecosystems.
