Smooth-coated otter

The smooth-coated otter is a large semiaquatic otter native to South and Southeast Asia. Its sleek coat, broad flattened tail, and social behavior distinguish it from many other otters.

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Otter: Otters are semiaquatic carnivorous mammals in the subfamily Lutrinae. The smooth-coated otter is one species within this group of aquatic hunters.
Semiaquatic locomotion: Semiaquatic locomotion is movement adapted to travel both on land and through water. The otter's webbed feet and flattened tail support swimming as well as movement on shore.
Wetland: A wetland is an ecosystem where water saturates or covers the soil for at least part of the year. Wetlands provide the waterways, prey, and resting places this otter needs.
Habitat fragmentation: Habitat fragmentation breaks continuous habitat into smaller, isolated patches. Dams, development, and altered waterways can isolate otter populations.
Mustelidae: Mustelidae is the mammal family that includes weasels, badgers, martens, and otters. Its ancestry places it among the diverse mustelids.
Webbed feet: Webbed feet have skin between the toes that increases their surface area. Webbing helps the otter push against water while swimming.
Indus River dolphin: The Indus River dolphin is a freshwater dolphin found in the Indus river system. Both species depend on productive South Asian river systems and face habitat pressures.
Bycatch: Bycatch is the unintended capture of animals in fishing gear. Otters can drown after becoming entangled in fishing nets.
Lutrogale: Lutrogale is a genus of otters containing the smooth-coated otter. This genus identifies the smooth-coated otter's closest taxonomic grouping.
Vibrissae: Vibrissae are stiff sensory hairs that detect touch and water movements. Facial whiskers help locate prey when visibility underwater is poor.