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Text and photos by
Nick Baker, unless
otherwise stated

 EcologyAsia 2010
Copyright ©

 
 

 

 
   
 
Smooth Otter
   

An adult pair (male in foreground) keep watch over their unruly pups.
   

Smooth Otters pups are highly boisterous and playful.
  


The pups return to their parents.

All images taken at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore. 

 

A medium-sized species, the Smooth Otter inhabits coastal areas such as estuaries and mangroves, and inland water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs. They are usually encountered in family groups of around 4 to 6 individuals which may include near-adult offspring from different breeding seasons. The litter comprises one or two cubs.

They feed on fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Identifying features include the buff-coloured throat and underparts, the short, smooth fur and the hairless nose. The feet are large and webbed, and the tail somewhat flattened.

The Smooth Otter ranges throughout mainland Southeast Asia as far west as India, and in Sumatra. In Singapore small family groups regularly visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Order : CARNIVORA
Family : Mustelidae
Species : Lutra perspicillata

Head-body length : 52-75 cm
Tail length : 35-45 cm
Weight : 7-11 kg

References : M1, M2


Links :
Ring of Bright Water - A Close Encounter
with the Otters of Sungei Buloh

Images of this species donated to :