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Scientific Name: Lutrogale perspicillata
English Name: Smooth-coated otter, Indian Smooth-coated Otter
Photo: Roid-wren (iNaturalist)
Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Mustelidae
Description:
This robust otter, known for its short, velvety fur. The fur color varies from reddish-brown to dark brown, with lighter undersides. Its feet are relatively large, webbed up to the last knuckle, and equipped with short, sharp, strong claws. The skull is rounded, featuring massive teeth and a short muzzle. The tail is thick and considerably longer than half the length of the head and body.
Habitat & Distribution in Bangladesh:
The Smooth-coated Otter is found in major rivers, mangroves, and estuaries, primarily inhabiting hilly areas in the northeast and southeast, along with coastal districts. Its largest population is believed to exist in the Sundarbans Mangrove forest in Bangladesh.
Environment:
Freshwater, brackish.
Comments:
Otters are semi-aquatic mammals because they are highly adapted for swimming with streamlined bodies and webbed feet. They also feed on fish and invertebrates.
Main References:
Ahmed ATA, Kabir SMH, Ahmad M, Ahmed ZU, Begum ZNT, Hassan MA and Khondker M (2009) Encyclopedia of Flora and Fauna of Bangladesh, Vol. 27. Mammals. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Dhaka 264 pp
Other References:
Rahman ANMA (2015) Wildlife of Bangladesh, Department of Films & Publications, Ministry of Information, Dhaka 1000
DNA Barcodes from Bangladesh
GenBank Accession Number:
Other DNA Barcodes & Nucleutide Sequences
Global IUCN conservation status:
Other Information
