Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata)
The Smooth-coated Otter is a medium-sized mammal that is found primarily in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is one of the few species of otter that is adapted to living in both freshwater and marine environments.
These otters have a distinctive appearance, with a dark brown fur that is smooth and shiny, and a streamlined body with a long tail and webbed paws. They have sharp claws and teeth, which are adapted for hunting and consuming a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Smooth-coated Otters are typically found in wetland habitats, including rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They are social and live in groups of up to 20 individuals, which work together to hunt and care for their young.
During breeding season, female Smooth-coated Otters give birth to litters of 1-6 pups, which they raise and protect until they are old enough to hunt on their own.
Smooth-coated Otters are considered a vulnerable species by the IUCN Red List, due to habitat loss and degradation, pollution, and over-harvesting of their prey. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitats, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable management practices.
Overall, the Smooth-coated Otter is an interesting and important species that plays a significant role in many freshwater and marine ecosystems in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.