About Smooth Coated Otter:
- It is a species of otter, the only extant representative of the genus Lutrogale.
- Appearance: It has rounder head, prominent naked noses, and flattened tails, webbed feet and strong dexterous paws that are armed with sharp claws.
- Distribution: They live in southern and Southeast Asia, China, and India, and in Iraq there is a small population.
- Habitat: It is mostly found in lowlands, coastal mangrove forests, peat swamp forests, freshwater wetlands, large forested rivers, lakes, and rice paddies.
- This species is equally comfortable on land and can travel long distances overland in search of suitable habitat.
- Features of Smooth-coated Otters:
- They are the largest otter in Southeast Asia.
- The fur of this species is smoother and shorter than that of other otters.
- They have short, tightly packed under fur and longer, water-repellant guard hairs.
- They are strong swimmers and hunt in groups. When fishing, they travel in a V-formation going upstream.
- Threats: Loss of habitat, habitat degradation due to water pollution from fertilizers and pesticides and poaching.
- Conservation Status:
