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.
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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 :
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