Smooth-Coated Otter

Smooth-Coated Otter is a species of otter, the only extant representative of the genus Lutrogale. Read more about Smooth-Coated Otter, Habitat, Features, IUCN Status, Latest News

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

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Smooth-Coated Otters FAQs

Q1. Where are smooth-coated otters found?+

Q2. What is the status of smooth-coated otter in IUCN?+

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