Native Animals
Lutrogale perspicillata
Smooth-coated Otter
VU
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
ver 3.1, 2021
Taxonomy
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Kingdom
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Phylum
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Class
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Order
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Family
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Genus
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Specific Epithetperspicillata (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1826)
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Synonym
- Lutra perspicillata I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1826
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Common Name
- Indian Smooth-coated Otter (English)
- Memerang Licin (Malay)
- Smooth Otter (English)
- Smooth-coated Otter (English)
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ResidentialNative
The taxonomic status is pending for approval
Description
The smooth-coated otter, Lutrogale perspicillata is the only extant otter of the genus Lutrogale. The common name is so-called due to its smooth and shorter fur.
The smooth-coated otter is a relatively large otter measuring around 1.2 m in length and weighs about 11 kg. It can be differentiated from other otters by its short, velvety fur and its more flattened, conical tail. The smooth-coated otter’s front legs are shorter than the back legs to help it in swimming. The upperparts of the body are dark brownish while the underparts are lighter brown to almost grey ventrally. The neck is short and almost the same width as the head and body. The smooth-coated otter also has webbed feet with short, sharp and strong claws. They are mainly diurnal and the males are polygamy. They prey on fishes, shrimps, crabs, insects, frogs, mudskippers, birds and rats for their diet.
The smooth-coated otter occurs in south Asia and south-east Asia, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Borneo, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand and Vietnam. There has been an isolated population in Iraq. The smooth-coated otter can be found in the large rivers, lake, peat swamp forests, coastal mangroves, estuaries and rice fields. It is categorised as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List as the number of population is declining due to illegal trade and habitat loss.
Habits
| No | Part | Habit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Carnivore — The eating of animals
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Habitats
| No | Description | Suitability | Seasonality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland Forest
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Suitable | Resident |
| 2 |
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Moist Montane Forest
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Marginal | Unknown |
| 3 |
Forest → Subtropical/Tropical Swamp Forest
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Suitable | Resident |
References : http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes/habitats-classification-scheme-ver3
Assessment
| Year Published | Assessment | Red List Category | Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Vulnerable (VU)
|
3.1 |
| 2015 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Vulnerable (VU)
|
3.1 |
| 2008 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Vulnerable (VU)
|
3.1 |
| 2004 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Vulnerable (VU)
|
3.1 |
| 2000 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Vulnerable (VU)
|
N/A |
| 1996 | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |
Vulnerable (VU)
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N/A |
Specimen
| Collection Center | Dried | Live | Slide | Wet | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Biodiversity Experts
| Profile | |
|---|---|
|
Amal Ghazali Nasron (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
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Mammals, Insects,
Biodiversity, Conservation & Forest
|
|
Amy Then Yee Hui (Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
|
Fishes (Ecology), Seahorses (Ecology), Mammals (Ecology),
Protected Areas & Marine & Coastal
|
|
Andrew Alek Tuen (Prof. Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
|
Mammals, Birds,
Protected Areas
|
|
Badrul Munir Md Zain (Assoc. Prof. Dr.)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
|
Mammals (Taxonomy),
|
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Chong Ju Lian (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
|
Mammals (Ecology), Vascular (Ecology),
Invasive Alien Species, Protected Areas, Digital Sequence Information (DSI), Marine & Coastal & Climate Change
|
|
David Magintan (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Mammals, Elephants,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Environment & Protected Areas
|
|
Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
|
Mammals, Bats,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Data Analysis, Evolution, Forest & Molecular
|
|
Farah Shafawati Mohd Taib (Dr.)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
|
Birds, Mammals, Rodents, Treeshrews, Squirrels,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Data Analysis, Ecosystems & Taxonomy
|
|
Jayaraj Vijaya Kumaran (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK)
|
Mammals,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Genetics & Digital Sequence Information (DSI)
|
|
Jeffrine Rovie Ryan Japning (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Monkeys, Fishes, Mammals,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Data Analysis, Evolution, Genetics, Molecular, Protected Areas, Science & Technology
|
|
Kayal Vizi Karuppannan (Mrs.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Elephants, Fishes, Mammals,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Evolution, Genetics, Molecular, Protected Areas & Digital Sequence Information (DSI)
|
|
Midhat Nabil Ahmad Salimi (Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)
|
Mammals,
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Data Analysis, Ecosystems, Education, Environment, Genetics, History, Management, Medical, Molecular, Science, Technology, Water, Digital Sequence Information (DSI), Living Modified Organism (LMO), Synthetic Biology, Protected Areas, Marine & Coastal & Invasive Alien Species
|
|
Mohammad Shahfiz Azman (Mr.)
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
|
Amphibians, Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles,
Awareness, Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecosystems, Environment, Forest, Landscape, Law and Policy, Management, Protected Areas, Science, Systematics, Invasive Alien Species, Like-Minded Megadiverse Countries (LMMC), National Policy on Biological Diversity, Policy, Research and Development (R&D) & Zoonotic
|
|
Mohd Tajuddin Abdullah (Prof. Dato' Dr.)
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
|
Mammals,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecosystems, Evolution, Genetics & Protected Areas
|
|
Nasharuddin Bin Othman (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Mammals (Ecology),
Conservation, Management & Protected Areas
|
|
Rahimatsah Amat (Dr.)
Sabah Environmental Trust (SET)
|
Mammals (Ecology),
Environment, Management & Protected Areas
|
|
Rahmat Topani (Mr.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Mammals (Ecology),
Conservation, Protected Areas & Marine & Coastal
|
|
Rosli Hashim (Prof. Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
|
Birds (Ecology), Mammals (Ecology), Spiders, Insects,
Biodiversity & Protected Areas
|
|
Rosli Ramli (Assoc. Prof. Dr.)
University of Malaya (UM)
|
Mammals (Ecology), Birds,
Biodiversity, Digital Sequence Information (DSI), Protected Areas & Marine & Coastal
|
|
Saifullah A. Jaaman @ Sharman (Assoc. Prof.)
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT)
|
Mammals,
Biodiversity, Conservation & Marine & Coastal
|
|
Tan Cheng Cheng (Ms.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Mammals (Ecology),
Protected Areas, Biodiversity & Conservation
|
|
Tan Poai Ean (Ms.)
Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN)
|
Bats, Mammals, Rodents,
Biodiversity, Conservation, Ecosystems & Management
|
PM - Peninsular Malaysia; SBH - Sabah; SWK - Sarawak; SEA - Southeast Asia; W - World;
References
Article
- Hedges, L., Clements, G.R., Aziz, S.A., Yap, W.L., Laurance, S., Goosem, M. & Laurance, W.F. (2013). Small carnivore records from a threatened habitat linkage in Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia. Small Carnivore Conservation 49, 9-14
- Aihara, Y., Hosaka, T., Yasuda, M., Hashim, M. & Numata, S. (2016). Mammalian Wildlife Tourism in South-East Asian Tropical Rainforests: The Case of Endau Rompin National Park, Malaysia. Journal of Tropical Forest Science 28 (2), 167-181
- Hwang, Y.T. & Lariviere, S. (2005). Lutrogale perspicillata. Mammalian Species (786), 1-4
- Magintan, D., Ilias, R., Ismail, A., Adrian, J., Rasdi, I. & Mohd. Sanusi, M. (2015). A Preliminary Observation of Mammals and Other Species Visiting Artificial Salt Licks in Peninsular Malaysia. Journal of Wildlife and Parks 30, 59-74
- Magintan, D., Mohamad Rufino, B.M., Cosmas, N. & Dennis, T.C.Y. (2009). Some evidences of Sumatran Rhinoceros presence in Temengor Forest Reserve, Perak. Journal of Wildlife and Parks 26, 5-10
- Shahfiz, M.A., Shahrul Anuar, M.S., Kaviarasu, M., Fauzi, M.Z. & Rizal, M.R. (2013). Preliminary Checklist of Mammals at Sungai Enam in Temengor Forest Reserve, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. , 197-214
- Sivasothi, N. & Burhanuddin, M.N. (1994). A review of otters (Carnivora: Mustelidae: Lutrinae) in Malaysia and Singapore. Hydrobiologia 285 (1), 151-170
- Syakirah, S., Prentice, C., Lopez, A., Azmin, M. R. & Yusof, A. M. (2000). A small- mammal survey at Tasek Bera, Pahang, Malaysia's first Ramsar Site. Malayan Nature Journal 54 (1), 31-41
Book
- Guidebook to the Biodiversity of Linting wetlands, 2015. Wetlands International, Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Heritage of Kubang Badak: Guide to Discover Kubang Badak Biogeotrail, 2018. Pusat Penyelidikan Langkawi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia & Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi, Malaysia. pp. 62.
- The Network of Protected Forests in Telupid, Sabah: Biodiversity & Conservation in the Heart of Borneo, 2014. Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah, Malaysia. pp. 155.
- The Nexus of Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Socioeconomic Development in Southeast Asia, 2022. Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
- Beastall, C.A. & Chng, S.C.L. (2021). Identification of Commonly Traded Wildlife in Southeast Asia. TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Hazebroek, H.P., Adlin, T.Z. & Sinun, W. (2011). Danum Valley: The Rain Forest. Natural History Publications (Borneo), Malaysia. pp. 615.
- Khan, M.M. (1992). Mamalia Semenanjung Malaysia. Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara (PERHILITAN), Malaysia. pp. 182.
- Maimon, A. (2008). Biodiversity of Sungai Pulai: Ramsar Site, Johor. Earth Observation Centre, Malaysia. pp. 97.
- Mohammad Khairi, A (2007). Taman Negara Pulau Pinang: Sinar Mutiara Belantara. Jabatan Perlindungan Hidupan Liar dan Taman Negara, Malaysia. pp. 112.
- Norhayati, A. & Chong, M.H.N. (2016). Amphibians, Reptiles and Mammals of Putrajaya Lake and Wetland. Perbadanan Putrajaya, Malaysia. pp. 100.
- Payne, J. & Francis, C.M. (1985). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo. The Sabah Society, Malaysia. pp. 326.
- Phillipps, Q. & Phillipps, K. (2016). Phillipps’ Guide to the Mammals of Borneo and their Ecology: Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan. Natural History Publications (Borneo), Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. pp. 400.
- Sasekumar, A. & Chong, V.C. (2012). Mangrove and Coastal Environment of Selangor, Malaysia. Universiti Malaya, Malaysia. pp. 290.
- Shaharuddin, M.I., Azahar, M., Razani, U., Kamaruzaman, A.B., Lim, K.L., Suhaili, R., Jalil, M.S. & Latiff, A. (2005). Sustainable Management of Matang Mangroves: 100 Years and Beyond. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 531.
- Shaharuddin, M.I., Dahalan, H.T., Abdullah Sani, Shafie, Jalil, M.S., Faridah-Hanum, I. & Latiff, A. (2005). Taman Negeri Gunung Stong, Kelantan: Pengurusan, Persekitaran Fizikal, Biologi dan Sosio-ekonomi. Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Malaysia. pp. 442.
- Tan, P.E., Norazlinda, A.R., Nosrat, R. & Saaban, S. (2015). Field Guides - Identification Key for Non-Volant Terrestrial Mammals of Peninsular Malaysia. Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia. pp. 56.
Chapter in book
- Davison, G.W.H. & Akbar, Z. (2007). The Status of Mammalian Biodiversity in Malaysia. In Chua, L.S.L., Kirton, L.G. & Saw, L.G. (Eds.), Status of Biological Diversity in Malaysia and Threat Assessment of Plant Species in Malaysia: Proceedings of the Seminar and Workshop, 28-30 June 2005. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). pp. 3-27.
Journal
- Malayan Nature Journal, Volume 73, Issue 3, p. 419, 2021
Legislation
- Akta Pemuliharaan Hidupan Liar 2010 (2010) — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Akta Perdagangan Antarabangsa Mengenai Species Terancam 2008 (2008) — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (2008) — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Wildlife Conservation Act (2010). Laws of Malaysia Act 716 — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
Magazine/Bulletin
- Identification of Commonly Traded Wildlife with a focus on the Golden Triangle (Lao PDR, Myanmar and Thailand) (2020). TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Malaysian Naturalist, Vol. 72 (2), 2/2019. Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)
- Malaysian Naturalist, Vol. 72 (3), 3/2019. Malaysian Nature Society, Malaysia.
- TRAFFIC Bulletin, Vol. 30 (2), 10/2018. TRAFFIC, UK — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
Report
- Report On Habitat And Ecological Research After Wavebreaker Project At Tanjung Piai Johor National Park. Perbadanan Taman Negara (Johor), Malaysia.
- Sixth National Report of Malaysia to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Ministry of Energy and Natural Resource, Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Gomez, L. & Bouhuys, J. (2018). Illegal otter trade in Southeast Asia. TRAFFIC, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
- Krishnasamy, K. & Zavagli, M. (2020). Southeast Asia: At the heart of wildlife trade. TRAFFIC, Southeast Asia Regional Office, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. — [ Adobe PDF (PDF) ]
Short-note
- Smooth Otter Lutrogale perspicillata at Byram, Penang State, Peninsular Malaysia. Southeast Asia Vertebrate Records (SEAVR), 2016
- The Hairy-nosed Otter in Peninsular Malaysia. IUCN Otter Specialist Group Bulletin, Vol. 11, 1995
Unpublish
- Checklist of Biodiversity of Setiu (2019)
Publications
Acknowledgements :- Ms. Aida Salihah Binti Abu Bakar, Ms. Ainul Aqilah Binti Mohd Nasir, Ms. Ajla Rafidah Baharom, Mrs. Aziemah Binti Kinan, Mr. Badrul Amin Bin Jaffar, Ms. Fatin Qurratul 'ain Binti Saberam, Ms. Norayuni Binti Ramlee, Ms. Norazah Binti Norddin, Mrs. Nur Hazwanie Binti Abd Halim, Ms. Nur Razan Faiqah Binti Zahili, Ms. Nurfarhana Hizan Binti Hijas, Mr. Tan Kok Kiat & Mr. Yasser Mohamed Arifin
Photo credit :- Muhammad Al Zahri
Species Citation :- Lutrogale perspicillata. Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS). Accessed via https://www.mybis.gov.my/sp/52741. [Retrieved 27 March 2023].
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