Local communities in Kinmen are getting paid to protect endangered Eurasian otters, a win for both wildlife and small island neighborhoods.

• Kinmen's government rewarded community groups for patrolling otter habitats and managing infrared cameras that monitor the animals.
• The otters live close to people, often seen in streams and farm ponds right next to villages.
• A national "ecological service payment" program pays residents to protect habitat and remove dangerous traps and fishing gear.
• Organizers want the county government to run its own version of the program long-term, letting each community protect its own local species and even turn conservation into small-scale eco-tourism.

Outlook: If habitats keep improving, some species that disappeared from the area could return, and successful communities may launch guided nature tours to boost local income.