Geneva (AFP)

Posting selfies with a pet otter or other endangered animals may seem trivial, but ecologists say that this mode could lead to the extinction of some species.

"The illegal trade in otters has suddenly increased exponentially," says Nicole Duplaix, who co-chairs the otter group at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

All Asian otter species have long been considered vulnerable or threatened due to the shrinking of their natural habitat and the illegal trade in their fur.

But environmentalists blame social networks for the frenzy that has spurred demand for baby otters in some Asian countries, particularly Japan, which poses a threat to the future of the world. 'species.

The thousands of delegates who came to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend a conference of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), must take a decision on the protection of two species of sea otter. Asia particularly in danger.

- "Too cute" -

The common otter, also known as the dwarf otter, and the smooth-haired otter are already listed on CITES Appendix II as endangered species, but India, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Philippines request that they be included in Annex I, which would mean a total ban on their international marketing.

Ecologists believe this is vital for both species, whose population has declined by at least 30% over the past 30 years and whose decline has further accelerated with pet otters.

"There is a real desire to own these exotic animals that is fueled by social networks," according to Cassandra Koenen, of the Canadian NGO Wildlife not Pets.

Some accounts on Instagram and Facebook drain hundreds of thousands of followers, who post in turn tender comments on pictures of dwarf otters, such as "too cute" or "I want one".

Ms. Duplaix recognizes that these are "very charismatic creatures", while deploring that "it is precisely their cute side that causes their loss".

The selfies mask the suffering endured by this small mammal that lives in community in nature and that we place abruptly in captivity and isolation.

Ms. Koenen cited the many "gags videos" showing otters turning on themselves, which, for a trained eye, is the manifestation of "enormous suffering".

Faced with this growing demand, hunters and fishermen in Indonesia kill adult otters and carry babies who are put in cages and shipped for pet use.

The main destination is Japan, where a baby otter can be worth up to $ 10,000.

- Otter bars -

"Otter coffees" have also appeared in the Japanese archipelago, where customers are encouraged to buy small pieces of food for caged animals and make selfies with them while drinking their coffee.

"It's a totally abnormal environment for them," said Koenen.

She regrets that domestic otters have limited access to water, which is part of their natural element, and no longer live in community.

For her, the photos tell a story totally different from reality, because these wild animals have a strong smell and tend to bite: "They are very unsuitable pets."

She blames social networking platforms for facilitating the trade of exotic animals such as otters and triggering impulse buying without thinking about what it means to have a wild animal at home.

Of the 56 proposals submitted to CITES for greater protection, 22 concern species such as lizards, geckos, turtles and spiders, which are also hunted for this multi-billion dollar trade.

"Otter babies are dying, and for what? A selfie," said Paul Todd of the US-based Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "We have to stop this."

© 2019 AFP