Smooth-Coated Otters Latest News
Recently, the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi welcomed a pair of smooth-coated otters from Surat in a rare animal exchange after 20 years.
About Smooth-Coated Otters
- It is a species of otter, the only extant representative of the genus Lutrogale.Â
- Distribution: They live in southern and Southeast Asia, China, and India, and in Iraq there is a small population.Â
Habitat of Smooth-Coated Otters
- They are mostly found in lowlands, coastal mangrove forests, peat swamp forests, freshwater wetlands, large forested rivers, lakes, and rice paddies.
- Although adapted for water, smooth-coated otters are equally comfortable on land and can travel long distances overland in search of suitable habitat.Â
Features of Smooth-coated Otters
- They are the largest otter in Southeast Asia.
- As its name indicates, the fur of this species is smoother and shorter than that of other otters.
- The fur is light to dark brown dorsally and light brown to almost gray ventrally.
- They have short, tightly packed under fur and longer, water-repellant guard hairs.
- They are strong swimmers and hunt in groups. When fishing, they travel in a V-formation going upstream.
- Threats: Â Loss of habitat, habitat degradation due to water pollution from fertilizers and pesticides and poaching.
- Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable
Source: IE
Smooth-Coated Otters FAQs
Q1: Where are smooth-coated otters found?
Ans: Southeast Asia
Q2: What is the status of smooth-coated otter in IUCN?
Ans: Vulnerable
