Scientific Name
Lutrogale perspicillata
Status
Vulnerable
Size
Body Length: 59 - 64 cm
Tail Length: 37 - 43 cm
Weigh: 7 - 11 Kg
Diet
Carnivorous.
Primarily fish, but also frogs, crabs, birds, small rodents and insects.
Appearance
They have a short, sleek coat of dark-brown to reddish-brown fur along its back, with lighter greyish brown on its underside. It has a more rounded head and a flatter tail than other otter species.
Habitat
Rivers, lakes, wetlands, and even coastal mangrove forests and estuaries.
Distribution
Throughout Thailand where the habitat is suitable.
Although sightings of these cats have been reported, they are rarely seen due to their habitat and behaviour. Nearly all sightings today are with camera traps.
Although mainly nocturnal, they are often seen during the day if undisturbed.
Smooth-coated Otters are highly sociable, living in groups of up to 25.
Regular visitors in the Lam Takhong River where it passes the headquarters. They are often seen in the early morning, passing through or feeding in a small group of about six individuals.
The group of otters will travel up and down the river and can sometimes be spotted from the bridges at either end of the old golf course, and at the Lam Takhong campsite, which the river passes through.
Smooth-coated Otters are also seen at the lake adjacent to the Nong Phak Chi Wildlife Watching Tower, the Lam Takhong river at the Pha Kluai Mai campsite and the ponds and lakes in the old golf course.
Otters will also use established trails through the forest to avoid disturbance or threats in the river. They will also use these trails to move from rivers to lakes and ponds.
