Smooth-Coated Otter
By: S.B.
Description
- Smooth-Coated Otters are the largest otters in Asia
- tail is flatter in comparison to other otters (ARK)
- thick body, short legs, and webbed feet with short claws
- mammals
- thick, velvety fur with 2 layers
- neck is as wide as the body
- the weight of the otters is between 15-25 pounds (Wiki)
- these otters can grow to be about 4 feet (Wiki)
- the front legs are shorter than the back legs to help with swimming
- males are larger than females
- they use visual and auditory communication
Food Chain and Habitat
- 70% of their diet consists of fish (ADW)
- they also eat reptiles, frogs, insects, and crustaceans
- carnivores
- they are the main predator and are at the top of the wetland food chain
- their habitats range from South East Asia to India
- like other otters they need a diverse bank side vegetation
- ability to live in fresh and sea water
- very versatile habitats (almost anywhere near a freshwater source)
- forested rivers, lakes,swamps, and man-made canals are the most commonly known habitats
- hunt in groups to try to capture schools of fish
a group of otters has a feeding territory of 7 to 12 square kilometers (ARK)
Habitat range
Smooth-Coated Otters habitat range in Asia.
Habitat
Due to habitat loss, Smooth-Coated Otters are forced to move out of their habitats and find new homes. Luckily they can adapt to many environments.
Critical Information
Smooth-Coated Otters are not on the verge of extinction but their numbers are declining and they need help. Here's what is already being done to preserve this species: Documenting past, present, and potential future distribution of otters. This is vital for understanding their population dynamics, and to plan species-oriented conservation program. To reinforce a sympathetic attitude towards the plight faced by otters. Stimulating more research and conservation effort for these species. (WWF)
Adaptation
- many otters have been forced to adapt to new environments because of habitat loss
- many of the fish Smooth Coated Otters eat are poisoned, as a result leaving the otters to find new types of food
- to swim faster, the otters tuck their front legs in and paddle with their back legs
- webbed feet and sharp claws
- two layers of fur to keep body heat in
- hunt in packs instead of by themselves
- fishermen train these otters to hunt for fish in groups
- can live in both salt and fresh water
Reason for Endangerment
Bibliography
Works Cited
Lutrogale perspicillata smooth-coated otter." Animal Diversity WEB (ADW). Web. 30 May 2013. <http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Lutrogale_perspicillata/>. White, Timothy
Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata)." Arkive.org. Web. 30 May 2013. <http://www.arkive.org/smooth-coated-otter/lutrogale-perspicillata/image-G10217.html>.
"Smooth- Coated Otter." Wikipedia.org. N.p., 2 May 2013. Web. 30 May 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smooth-coated_otter>.
"Smooth-coated Otter." wwfindia.org. WWF. Web. 30 May 2013. <http://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/priority_species/smooth_coated_otter/>.