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Hairy nosed otter (Lutra sumatrana)
This otter is called the hairy nosed otter because its rhinarium (the black part of its nose) is covered with hair. It once occurred from southern Thailand and Indochina through Malaysia and Indonesia. In 1998 it was thought to be extinct but projects funded by IOSF have found the species in Thailand and Vietnam and it has now also been found in small numbers in Cambodia and Indonesia. It varies from a reddish chestnut colour to very dark chocolate brown with a very small white throat patch. The Hairy nosed otter lives in a vast wetland ecosystem and in Vietnam this can be divided into four main habitats. Reed Meadows: This consists of very tall reeds that are densely packed and can grow up to 3m. The standing water under the reeds supports abundant fish, crabs and molluscs.
Phragmites reed meadow Open swamps: Water is shallow and covered by floating vegetation. The habitat has abundant fish for the otters but no cover so the otters only use these areas for foraging.
The open swamp habitat Reed meadow mixed with mature trees: The ground has much shallow water and the habitat provides the otter with ample fishing the tree roots provide holts and dry land.
Canals: This is the main habitat for the otters, they provide the main feeding areas and the banks are dry covered with dense vegetation.
Canals and banks The otters will move from one area to the other often-travelling very long distances. The main threats to the otter are disturbance by human activities such as fishing, cultivating crops and vegetable. These activities cause various negative impacts on the otter habitat such as destruction of holts, reduction of food resources and pollution caused by the use of pesticides. Hunting is another major threat, particularly in south-east Asia - for every tiger skin found there are at least 10 otter skins and hunters can getup to $200 for each pelt.
Skin of Hairy Nosed otter caught by hunters IOSF has launched a major campaign, Furget-Me-Not, as otters are the forgotten victims of wildlife crime. If you would like to find out more about this CLICK HERE
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The Facts Endangered status:
Endangered
Length: 1.05 to 1.34 m Weight: 5 to 8 kg Distribution of the Hairy Nosed Otter (Lutra sumatrana)
Data based on Otters and Action Plan for their conservation (IUCN 1990) and world otters (IOSF 2005)
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