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Smooth-coated Otters

I had a pleasant encounter with one of the two species of otters found in Singapore. A short distance from the carpark at Tebing Lane and along the cycling track of the Serangoon River came this family of otters from the opposite bank. The group of around 7 seemed to be feeding. As they dove and surfaced, fish scurried and leapt out of the water from the shallow riverside to avoid capture. It was a great feeling being able to see wild otters in Singapore. Some fun data on the otters... 

The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata)is the larger of the two species of Singapore otters, growing to about 1.3 meters. Found in our mangroves and mudflats, they are rarely seen and are in the list of Critically Endangered (Red List) of animals in Singapore. It is a fish hunter and also feeds on crustaceans, snails and clams.

If you do spot these mammals in Singapore, do put in a sighting here