Order : CARNIVORA
Family : Mustelidae
Species : Lutra perspicillata

Head-body length : 52-75 cm
Tail length : 35-45 cm
Weight : 7-11 kg

References : M1, M2

Links :
Ring of Bright Water - A Close Encounter
with the Otters of Sungei Buloh

A medium-sized species, the Smooth Otter inhabits coastal areas such as estuaries and mangroves, and inland water bodies such as lakes and reservoirs. They are usually encountered in family groups of around 4 to 6 individuals which may include near-adult offspring from different breeding seasons. The litter comprises one or two cubs.

They feed on fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Identifying features include the buff-coloured throat and underparts, the short, smooth fur and the hairless nose. The feet are large and webbed, and the tail somewhat flattened.

	A lone adult rests briefly on a sand bank.
	Searching for food on the muddy banks of an abandoned Prawn Pond in Sungei Buloh.

The Smooth Otter ranges throughout mainland Southeast Asia as far west as India, and in Sumatra. In Singapore small family groups regularly visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.