Lonters are the new stars of Japan in animal cafes (but I reveal a horrible truth about their origin)

The otterwith his adorable muse and funny behaviors, in Japan has become a real pet star. More and more often it is found not only in private homes, but also in Animal coffeeclubs where customers can caress it and photograph it.

However, behind this fashion already absurd in which these animals of their freedom deprives themselves and forces them to live in captivity, one hids one serious threat to the specieslinked to illegal trafficking of wild animals. A recent genetic researchconducted by the University of Kyoto in collaboration with Thai scholars, has in fact analyzed theOrigin of 81 Lonters hosted in zoo, coffee or confiscated from customs.

THE’Analysis of mitochondrial DNA revealed that many of these come from regions of Thailand already known for The poaching and illegal trade. The otter Aonyx Cinereusalso known as LonTra Nana, is one protected species classified as vulnerable fromUicnand his international trade For commercial purposes it is prohibited since 2019.

The “collective nostalgia” for the lacchi in Japan

In Japan, possessing a otter is legalbut only if the animal comes from regular sources. The problem is that, given the high question, many specimens come illegally taken in nature and imported clandestinely. The study also highlighted that the Lonstre in coffee they come from different areas compared to those of the zoo, suggesting supply channels more opaque and less controlled.

In addition to the legal issue, there is also an obvious problem ethical. Lonters in captivity often show obvious signs of stress And their well -being is compromised by inadequate spaces and continuous manipulations. In addition, the risk of extinction increases when the demand for exotic animals feeds the poaching in the countries of origin.

The bond of Japan with the Lonters also has cultural roots: the Japanese otteronce widespread in the archipelago and present in local folklore such as the “Kawauso”has been declared Extinct in 2012. This loss generated a sort of collective nostalgiawhich today pours into imported species, but without any real protection. It is therefore essential to sensitize people on the theme because until the question will remain high These creatures can not really be protected.