Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Subfamily: Lutrinae
Genus: Lutra
Species: sumatrana
Range and Habitat
The rare hairy-nosed otter lives in the countries of Java, Borneo, Sumatra,
Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia. They are extremely rare, and were
thought to be extinct until a population was reported in Thailand in 1998. They
may be extinct throughout much of their range. They live in areas of peat swamp
forest, reed meadows, canals, shallow coastal waters, and mangrove forests.
Physical Appearance
The hairy-nosed otter is similar in appearance to other freshwater otter
species. They get their namesake because their rhinarium is covered in hair,
unlike most other otter species. They vary in coloration from a reddish chestnut
to dark chocolate brown, with white on their throat, lower jaw and part of the
upper lip.
Diet
Since this otter is so rare, it is unknown what they feed on. It is assumed
their diet is similar to other otter species.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Nothing is known about this otter's reproductive habits.
Social Behavior
Nothing is known about this otter's behavior either.
Threats
Major threats to this otter species are from humans. Fishing, crop cultivation,
pollution, hunting for their pelts, and habitat destruction have all adversely
affected this species.
Subspecies
No subspecies are known.
Online References
Amblonyx.com: Hairy-nosed otter
Friends of the Korean Otter (photo credit)
IOSF - International Otter Survival Fund - Hairy Nosed Otter
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Lutra sumatrana
IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group: Asian species newsletter
Otternet: Hairy nosed otter