The Hairy-n osed
Otter (Lutra sumatrana) is one of the rarest otter species on earth, and
was thought to be extinct in 1998 as there had been no sightings for
many years, but a tiny number of populations have been rediscovered
since then.
At present, it is believed to live mainly in two nature reserves in
Vietnam, Toa Daeng peat swamp forest in southern Thailand, and in
Sumatra, the place for which it was named. It was rediscovered in 2005.
It was also rediscovered in Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia. Even from these
places, they are known from a tiny number of sightings and some roadkill,
and from skins.
In June 2008, the Wildlife Alliance-led Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team
received a donated Hairy-nosed Otter originating near the Tonle Sap in
Cambodia. Working with Conservation International, they established a
safe home for the rescued otter at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue
Center, where they hope it will become part of a future captive breeding
program.
The most recent record of the species was on September 2008 in U Minh
Ha National Park in southern Vietnam when researchers said they have
found two hairy-nosed otters.
Measurements
Weight: 11 to 13 pounds (5.0 to 5.9 kg)
Head-body length: 20 to 33 inches (51 to 84 cm)
Tail length: 14 to 20 inches (36 to 51 cm)[9]
Identification
The hairy-nosed Otter is the least known of the Asian otters, and is
also the most difficult to identify in the field. The hairy-nosed Otter
gets its name from the hairs on the end of its rhinarium (moist part of
its nose); in most other respects it is similar to Eurasian Otter, Lutra
lutra. Hairy-nosed Otter is entirely brown, except for lips, chin and
upper throat, which are whitish. Fur is rather rough but short. The tail
is flattened and oval in cross section. Feet are fully webbed between
the digits. Claws are prominent. The penis of the adult male is not
visible externally. The contact call between otters is a single-syllabic
chirp; adult females call to cubs with a staccato chatter. Large otters
are very similar and can be positively distinguished only by close
inspection of the nose and fur, or the skull. In this species, skull is
flatter than that of Smooth Otter, Lutrogale perspicillataI and has
smaller teeth.[10]
Ecology and habitat
The hairy-nosed otter can be found in coastal areas and on larger
inland rivers, solitary or in groups of up to four. Diet includes fish
and crustaceans. Pairing of male and female may be limited to the
breeding period.
Distribution and status
South East Asia: Myanmar, South Thailand, Cambodia, South Vietnam and
Peninsular Malaysia. Include Sumatra and Borneo. Extremely few
individuals survive in Vietnam, southern Thailand, Sumatra and Cambodia,
being menaced by poaching.
Conservation
The Hairy-nosed Otter is the rarest otter in Asia, most likely
verging on extinction in the northern parts of its range and of
uncertain status elsewhere. There are only a few remaining viable
populations, widely scattered in region. Species is threatened by loss
of lowland wetland habitats, hunting for fur and meat, and accidental
killing during fishing. |
