Smooth-coated otter
Statut U.I.C.N
Union Internationale pour la Conservation de la Nature
- lc Préoccupation mineure
- nt Quasi menacé
- vu Vulnérable
- en En danger
- cr En danger critique
- ew Éteint dans la nature
- ex Éteint
Carte d'identité
- Classe :
- Mammals
- Ordre :
- Carnivora
- Famille :
- Mustelidae
- Genre :
- Lutrogale
- Espèce :
- perspicillata
- Taille moyenne
- 57 to 95 cm (tail up to 45 cm)
- Poids
- 7 to 12 kg
- Gestation
- About 60 days
1 to 3 pups per litter - Habitat
- Rivers, lakes, streams and freshwater swamp forests
- Régime
- Carnivore
The discreet queen of the rivers
In some parts of Asia, fishermen used to work with smooth-coated otters to help herd fish into their nets!
Threats and conservation
The smooth-coated otter is threatened by water pollution, trapping, hunting and habitat destruction. To protect it, its natural habitat is being preserved and action is being taken against trapping, hunting and illegal trade. Local communities are being made aware of the issues, and population studies and monitoring help to protect the species.
Fun fact
An otter's whiskers are true underwater detectors! They let it sense the movements of its prey even in murky water or at night.
