Smooth-Coated Otter

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. 
• Distribution: They live in southern and Southeast Asia, China, and India, and in Iraq there is a small population. 

‹ ›

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. 

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:  Loss of habitat, habitat degradation due to water pollution from fertilizers and pesticides and poaching.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable

Source: IE